CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
The forest breathes around us, a living entity that seems to whisper its ancient secrets as we stride beneath the boughs of towering oaks and maples. Roman's hand is warm in mine, his grip gentle yet unyielding, as if he's both guiding and protecting me simultaneously. The crunch of leaves underfoot is a steady rhythm accompanying our journey, and the anticipation within me builds with every step we take further from the well-trodden paths of our small town.
"Are we almost there?" My voice sounds small against the vastness of the night, tinged with a mix of excitement and the slightest quiver of nervousness.
"Almost," Roman replies, his voice low and reassuring. "Trust me, Lane, it's worth the walk."
I do trust him—the alpha of the Stone Pack, known for his justice an
