Jake’s POV
They say when a wolf loses his mate, something snaps.
But Ruby was never lost.
She was stolen.
And I’m going to burn the world down until I get her back.
It’s been weeks.
Weeks since she ran. Since that night in the woods: her eyes wide with fear, her scent torn through with desperation. Since Evie ripped into me like she forgot what pack meant. Like loyalty was optional.
I should’ve killed her.
Should’ve snapped her damn neck the moment she sided with Ruby.
But I didn’t.
Because I was too busy watching Ruby disappear into the trees, into the Wildlands, with my child still under her ribs.
Mine.
She thinks distance breaks a bond.
She thinks running will make me forget.
But all it’s done is sharpen the edges. Strip me down to the bone.
Make me clean.
Focused.
Ther
