The Blood Moon rose slowly that night, casting long crimson shadows over the silver Moon Packlands.
Inside the packhouse, Maria stood at the edge of the training grounds, watching the new recruits with a calculating gaze. Her posture was perfect, her voice steady, her authority unquestioned.
But Joseph couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling in his chest.
She hadn’t touched him this morning.
Not the way she used to. No palm on his chest when she passed, no silent touch at the mark to tease him. Just words. Cold. Controlled.
Luca noticed it too. Maria never called him "Alpha" before. Now she did. With a half-smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“She’s not herself,” Luca muttered, arms crossed as he leaned on the fence, watching her speak to the gathered warriors. “Tell me you feel it to
