Wolves at the Gate
Jason POV
The howls started at dawn.
I stood on the palace balcony, watching the tree line where dark shapes moved like shadows. Werewolves. At least twenty of them, maybe more. They'd been circling our borders for hours, testing our magical defenses.
"Your Majesty." Captain Thorne appeared at my side, his face grim. "They're asking for a meeting. Under the white flag."
"Who's leading them?"
"Alpha Donovan himself, sir. He says he's here for the girl."
My chest tightened. Of course he was. The mate bond wouldn't let him stay away, not when Lyra was in danger. I'd been expecting this since the day I brought her here.
"Sir?" Thorne waited for orders. "Should we prepare for battle?"
"No. Set up a meeting point at the border stones. Neutral ground." I straightened m
