ATLAS' POV.
The woods were quiet as I continued my walk without Ethan. I moved through the undergrowth, boots crushing leaves, senses alert. Every step forward pulled me closer to her—the pull I couldn’t ignore, the weight in my chest that told me she was near.
And then I saw her.
Willow stood there, arms crossed, stance rigid, staring at the shadows ahead like she was daring them to move. She hadn’t noticed me yet. My wolf stirred, tense, restless, protective. I knew the second I saw her that this wasn’t going to be easy.
“Willow,” I called, keeping my voice calm but firm.
Her head snapped toward me, eyes flashing with caution and defiance. “Alpha Atlas.” Her voice was clipped.
I stopped a few feet away, letting the space be there—but only enough for her to feel my presence pressing
