The sun had barely begun its climb over the horizon when the pack grounds erupted with tension. Word had spread faster than wildfire: the current alpha, Lucien’s father, had returned. His presence was immediate and commanding, a shadow of authority that left even the boldest wolves wary. The elders, who had convened a secret meeting without him, now faced the consequences of their audacity.
Lucien, waiting in the training grounds with Evelyn, felt the shift in the air instantly through the mate bond. He’s back. And he’s angry. Stay close, stay calm, he warned, his thoughts a protective shield around her mind. Evelyn’s pulse quickened, a mixture of fear and anticipation coursing through her. Though she had no idea what was about to unfold, the mate bond made her acutely aware of danger — t
