ng below him in a chaotic symphony of lights and noise. The cool night breeze ruffled

holding two mugs of coffee. "You can sit, you k

ease, her auburn hair catching the moonlight, her laughter light enough to dissol

e been restless all week. Is this abo

secret torn open in the most violent way possible. She hadn't run. She ha

on said finally, his voice low. "They

faltered. "So th

ze darkened. "Th

r hand, his calloused fingers brushing against hers. "I won'

rust you, Jason. But if you

hink that. You're the reason I left the pack.

r unease lingered. "Th

ed as the scent hit him-something sharp, earthy, and laced with malice. His eyes sn

ma whispered, cl

here," Ja

-

n crouched on a ledge, his piercing green eyes locked on Jason and Emma. His blo

to you," Orion mutte

even an alpha. Magnus's orders had been clear: observe and wait for the right moment. But patie

he stayed downwind of Jason's heigh

old in the dark. He sniffed the air, his

, Jason pulled her to h

" she asked, her

said firmly, already movin

after him, retreating to t

ding in a crouch on the building where Orion hid. "Come out,

smug grin on his face. "Hello, Jas

s teeth. "What

edator. "You walked away from the pack, from your power, f

you can come into my territory, thr

, Jason. This isn't your territory anymor

't respond

Jason's punches landed hard and fast, but Orion was quick, dodging and countering wi

s, sending him skidding across the grave

nd rose, his golden eyes blazing. "You

ry. Orion barely managed to block the onslaugh

on wasn

r forms already shifting into hulking beasts. Jason snarl

inst the trio, but the odds were stacked against him. Orion took ad

ne knee, his br

loser. "You're alone, Jason. Wea

," Jason growled, his v

he ground, sending a shockwave that knocked the Bloodfang wolves off

is claws inches from Orion's throat. "If he co

from his mouth. "You're already dea

enough for one of the other wolves to sl

s they disappeared into the night, Orion's voice echoed bac

ut his resolve unbroken. He returned to Emma's

yes wide with concern.

collapsing onto the couch. "Ori

r hands on his shoulders.

glimmer of hope. But deep down, he knew the only

ng back to the pac