He arrived just after dawn, slipping through our borders like a shadow trying not to be seen. The patrol brought him in, and I could feel the tension radiating from them even before I saw him.
Kai was tall- taller than Duke, with broad shoulders and the kind of build that spoke of natural strength. His dark hair was unkempt, his clothes worn but clean. But it was his eyes that caught me. Hollow. Ashamed. The same look I'd seen in my own reflection for years.
"This is a mistake," he said immediately, his voice rough. "I shouldn't have come. I'm fine. I just… I needed to get away for a few days, clear my head."
Duke stood beside me, his alpha presence steady but not overwhelming. "You called us. You said you needed sanctuary."
"I was wrong." Kai's hands clenched into fists at his sides.
