CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
The scent of pine and fresh earth heralds his arrival before I even see him. Alec strides into the clearing, a series of leather satchels slung across his broad shoulders, each one brimming with goods from his pack—exotic herbs, intricately woven fabrics, and jars of sweet honey glistening in the afternoon sun. The West Mountains pack gathers around, their murmurs rising in excitement at the prospect of new trades.
"Hey, Bella!" Alec greets me with that lopsided grin that always seems to set my heart racing just a touch faster. His eyes, the color of rich soil after a rainstorm, lock onto mine, and for a moment, we're in our own world.
"Hi, Alec," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. I can feel the heat of his gaze like a physical touch, sending a shiver down my
