KAEL’S POV
The wind carried the scent of blood through the northern forest. Three days had passed without her, and my body ached to return, to feel her warmth again. My wolf snarled restlessly, clawing at the edge of my control. My injury had healed, but the emptiness without her had not.
The pack’s border was tense. Rogue attacks had become frequent, and children were disappearing overnight without a trace. I doubled the patrols, stationed extra sentries, and scouted the forest myself with my beta. The scent of blood and fear lingered in the air, and I could not rest until every corner of my kingdom was safe for her.
My wolf urged me forward, claws itching in my boots, the scent of rogues was sharp in the air.
I ran without my beta at my side. When we reached the outer perimeter. The
