Phoebe's POV
The fear radiating from the women around me was suffocating - thick and oppressive, wrapping around them like armor they couldn't shed. My stomach clenched as I watched their wide, terrified eyes and the subtle tremor running through their bodies.
But I had no idea how to break through that wall of terror, how to offer them something warmer.
"Please, get up," I said softly, reaching toward the closest woman. "I just want one of you to walk with me, show me around the pack house."
She flinched back, shaking visibly, and my chest tightened. What had these women survived under their former pack? I couldn't begin to imagine their trauma, or guess how long it would take before they felt safe around me.
"Want to take a walk with me?" My voice came out gentle, almost a whisper, as I tried to close the gap between us.
Slowly, sensing I meant no harm, the others began to stand. They shot nervous glances at each other, still watching me like I might strike at any moment.
