The scent hit her first. Smoke and blood. Not fresh, but not old enough to forget, either. They crested the ridge in silence, Aleksander leading the way in complete wolf form, his white fur rippling like a banner of war across the snow-packed trail. Frosthelm scouts flanked their path, lean and efficient. Regulus brought up the rear, a shadow among the trees, his dark coat swallowing what little light filtered through the overcast sky. Lila sat bareback on Aleksander's massive frame, hands clutched tight into his fur. Lila hadn't meant to ride again so soon, but when he shifted, she'd instinctively reached for him. He hadn't stopped her. She swore she felt a low rumble of approval as her thighs locked around his ribs.
"Don't get used to this," Lila muttered under her breath, southern draw
