The atmosphere in the packhouse felt different that morning. A sense of urgency permeated the air as I prepared for the day ahead. The events of the previous night—the kiss with Carter and our tentative commitment to each other—were still fresh in my mind, yet they were overshadowed by the looming threat of the rogue wolves.
I stood in front of the mirror, running a hand through my hair as I studied my reflection. The girl staring back at me was strong, but the weight of leadership hung heavily on my shoulders. I was the Alpha, responsible for the safety of my pack, and yet I was also a woman caught in the throes of a burgeoning mate bond.
As I made my way downstairs, I could hear the murmur of voices filling the common area. The pack was gathering for the morning briefing, and I felt a
