The first assassin didn’t make it past sunrise.
Kael moved fast—snapped his neck and didn’t even give the wolf a chance to scream.
Blood splattered across the frozen ground. The Alpha stood over the body, breathing hard under the pale moon. All around him, Silver Crest warriors dragged terrified rogues out of their hiding spots, one by one.
Another night, another attempt. Someone else shooting for his territory. A threat aimed straight at his mate.
But this time? Kael was done being merciful.
“The camp is empty, Alpha,” one of his warriors called, careful.
Kael’s silver eyes swept the trees. That answer didn’t sit right.
“No,” he said. His voice was cold as the frost. “There were more.”
The warrior lowered his head fast. “Yes, Alpha.”
So the hunt pressed on.
Kael’s mate bond stil
