~ Ryder ~
I stood on the wide porch of the pack house, arms crossed tight over my chest, staring down the long driveway where the parade route ended.
Lanterns still glowed along the street, soft yellow lights swaying in the breeze, but the happy music and cheers had faded away.
Doris should have been back by now. The five warriors I sent with her were my loya fast and strong guards. They were supposed to keep her safe while she walk round the pack.
But the minutes kept stretching, and my wolf paced inside me, restless and growling low.
Something was wrong. I could feel it in my bones, like a storm building just out of sight.
Then I saw them.
Four figures limping up the driveway. Four, not five. Their black uniforms were torn and soaked with blood. One clutched his side, fingers p
