Arlene's POV
The rich scent of hot chocolate and fresh pastries fills the interior of my car. Warner has reversed it so we can sit in the open trunk, watching the wild ocean crash against the rocky cliffs that border the pack territory. When he lifts the trunk door, cold ocean air rushes in, carrying the sharp taste of salt.
The steady drumming of rain grows louder, drowning out the anxious thoughts that have plagued me since we arrived. It silences the overwhelming voices that seem to echo in my head even after we were finally left alone in what will become our new home.
"This is so much better," Warner exhales, pulling me against his warm side.
"Way better," I agree, settling into his embrace. "Can I ask you something? Why does everything here feel so suffocating?"
