Xander's POV
The library was airy quiet, except for the faint scratching of my pen against paper. Even the air seemed heavy, pressing against my chest like an unseen weight. I had been here for hours, trying to steady my thoughts, rehearsing the defenses I might offer to the Alpha Council. A single misstep today could spell disaster.. not just for me but for my entire pack.
The scent of leather-bound books and aged parchment mixed with my own unease. My wolf stirred, restless and irritable. The beast had been on edge ever since I received the third and final summon. Ignoring this one wasn’t an option.
Suddenly, the faint creak of the library door interrupted my thoughts. I didn’t look up. I didn’t have to. His scent... clean, sharp, tinged with pine was unmistakable. Luke.
“They’re re
