The forest around the training ground hummed with life, but I could sense the unease that rippled through the pack. The morning drills had ended, and most of the warriors were gathered in small groups, their conversations hushed but tense. Marcus’s influence was growing stronger, and with each passing day, I could feel the gap widening between those who supported me and those who questioned my ability to lead. It was subtle now, but it wouldn’t be for long.
I needed to act.
But every time I tried to focus on the pack’s growing unrest, my mind drifted back to Carter. To the way his lips had felt on mine. To the fire that had ignited between us. I had wanted him so badly in that moment, wanted to give in to everything the mate bond promised. But I couldn’t—not yet. There was too much at st
