side her room. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up and listened inte

e door to find Jenna rushing past, her

g?" Arielle asked, step

There's been another sighting at the border.

enaline course through her

pression grim. "But they're gett

e didn't want to be a bystander, not when the pack needed every abl

t's

the head of a long table surrounded by his key advisors and warriors. His pr

e southern border," Eric was sayi

"Arielle moved to stand beside him, her

asked, her voice steady despit

want you to coordinate with the healers. If thi

eting continued, Arielle listened intently, absorbing the details of their defensive plans. The L

spoke with his beta, Lucas. The two men discussed the logistics of deploying

ered a small, reassuring smile. "We'll k

her mind was far from at ease. "I

nty, Arielle. The pack trusts you, and that's not something that happens overnight."She app

c nodded, understanding all too well. "We're all in

es for managing potential injuries. The air was thick with tension, the anticipation of a potential attack hanging over everyone's heads

asked, steppin

on his face. "You could say th

glancing at the maps spread o

back of his neck. "Patrols are in place, a

the uncertainty that lay ahead. "D

Eric said, his

ed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You'r

led, feeling the warmth of his touch and the connection they had built over the past few weeks. It was strange

clock on the wall.Eric stood, stretching his arms above his head

r a moment, then nod

ackhouse grounds were quiet, the stars above shining brightly in the clear sky.They walked in companionabl

rived," Eric admitted, breaking the silence. "But y

on her lips. "You've surprised me too, Eri

he asked, his voice

twists and turns her life had taken. "No," she said finally, he

her heart pounding in her chest. Eric's gaze was intense, his expression a mixture of emotions she couldn't quite decipher.And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, their lips met in a kiss that was both tender and electrifying, a moment suspended

there was no turning back. They had crossed a threshold, an

ered, a hint of

longer, the night air cool against their skin, the weight of their responsibilities momentarily for