Jasmine's POV
The sun hadn't yet risen when the distant howls pierced the air. The ominous sound sent a shiver down my spine—Cedric's pack was here. The tension in the air was palpable as the howls echoed through the forest, signaling that trouble had arrived. Everyone in our camp knew what this meant; we had to be prepared to defend our territory.
Mason was out of bed in an instant, his movements swift and purposeful. He turned to me, helping me up.
"Stay in the pack house," he instructed, his voice a mix of urgency and tenderness. He kissed my forehead, then my belly, a silent promise in his gaze. "I'll come for you when it's over."
I nodded, trusting him completely, but fear gnawed at me. As I made my way to the pack house, the sounds of battle outside grew louder—growls, yelps, an
