Alpha Lir POV,
The Ridge Lodge smelled of old cedar and the sharp, medicinal tang of the pine logs burning in the hearth. I sat at the heavy oak table, the orange glow of the fire dancing off the crystal of my scotch glass, though I hadn't taken a sip.
I was alone. I had sent my enforcers to patrol the perimeter, not because I feared an ambush, but because I couldn't stomach the weight of their expectant gazes.
They expected their Alpha to be a fortress. They didn’t know the fortress was currently a hollow shell, held together by the sheer force of Silvercrest pride.
I checked my watch and it was already 12:02 AM. Silas was late. It was typical of the South, too much sentiment, not enough discipline.
I opened my tablet, staring at the satellite imagery of the blocked pass. The rogue
