Page 3 of Nico

Winter Valley had been home once. Then it hadn't. Life had a way of changing shape when you weren't looking.

By the time we reached the pack compound, Logan was awake and bouncing with energy. I immediately distrusted that energy. Excited Logan was dangerous Logan.

The security gate opened. Several wolves stood guard. They appeared professional and alert. Good, because I approved. The compound itself was larger than I'd expected.

People moved through the grounds with easy familiarity. Pack members, I assumed, families and children. For a brief moment, I watched them.

Wolves moved through the compound carrying groceries, talking with friends, chasing after kids who were moving too fast and listening too little.

Nobody looked particularly concerned about anything beyond the usual problems of everyday life.

It was hard to believe the pack had once been in upheaval when Cooper took over. I'd heard enough over the years to know how bad things had gotten. Looking at it now, you'd never guess it.

The place felt solid and safe, like something built to last. That was rarer than most people realized. Logan climbed out of the vehicle.

"Nice place,” Logan commented.

I grabbed our luggage.

"Remember what we talked about,” I reminded him.

"Yes, Dad."

"I hate when you call me that,” I complained.

A familiar laugh reached us before I could respond. I looked up, and saw Cooper was walking toward us. He looked a little older.

There were a few more lines around his eyes, but he was still unmistakably Cooper. His wolf was strong and steady. Cooper had the kind of presence that filled space without demanding it.

"Isaac,” he greeted.

I stepped forward and clasped his forearm. "Cooper."

"It's good to see you,” Cooper said, tone genuine.

"You too."

Logan immediately appeared beside me. "Nice to see you again, Alpha."

"Good to see you, Logan,” Cooper said with a smile.

His gaze flicked between us. Probably confirming that neither of us had murdered the other during the drive. A reasonable concern.

After greetings were exchanged, Cooper led us toward the administrative building.

"We've already started security preparations," he explained.

"Appreciate it,” I said.

"Your brother attracts attention,” Cooper commented.

"That's one way to put it."

Cooper chuckled. "We take safety seriously here."

I liked good answers. The office building smelled faintly of coffee and cedar. Cooper guided us down a hallway.

"We've assigned someone from our IT department to work directly with your security needs,” Cooper said. That caught my attention.