The shadow moved.
Fast.
Too fast.
One moment it stood at the edge of the trees.
The next—
it was gone.
Every warrior in the clearing shifted immediately.
Claws.
Fangs.
Muscles tensed for battle.
Liam stepped in front of Denise without thinking.
The movement was automatic.
Protective.
Possessive.
The bond surged in agreement.
Denise barely noticed.
Her attention remained fixed on the forest.
Because something was out there.
Something watching.
The howls had stopped.
And somehow that was worse.
Far worse.
The silence felt deliberate.
Like predators stalking prey.
The Alpha’s voice cut through the tension.
“Form a perimeter.”
Wolves moved instantly.
Years of training taking over.
Within seconds, a defensive circle surrounded the clearing.
Nobody argued.
Nobody he
