If you like music while you read, try "What a Wonderful World" by AG + Reuben and the Dark. It sets just the right tone for the next few chapters!
*****
~ ZEV ~
When the howl rose in the distance, Zev swallowed hard, heart thumping in his ears.
They knew he was coming. They knew his mate was here, and their son—or they would, soon enough.
Did a baby release as much scent as an adult? Were they less likely to scent Zan? Zev hoped so.
Swallowing down the clench of fear in his gut, he started forward, eyes sharp on the treeline, waiting for the inevitable shadows that would appear before his people…
They would rush him, he realized, and he had to stifle a shudder.
Among the Chimeran wolves, greetings after a long absence were… enthusiastic. The males would approach first to test his scent and share theirs. He would be wrestled and pressed and touched and buried under a pack.
His entire body went rigid and his breath got short.