Jude pauses, a pulse of feeling washing over them both, a whisper of shock and sorrow and disbelief that that was ever in question.

"Always," he says, bracing himself for the possibility that he won't. Few wolves do well without packs, and Jude has the feeling that Marcus isn't a loner, much as he might feel it's easier. The life of a ghost is not a pleasant one. But Jude won't hold him here.

"Everyone slips. Everyone struggles. If this were enough for us to give up on you..."

Jude shakes his head.

"Half the pack wouldn't be here, including our Alpha."