the windowpane kept her on edge. Her thoughts were consumed by the wolf, its piercing green

She stepped onto the porch, clutching a steaming mug of coffee, and took in the surrounding lan

the house. A man climbed out, his presence commanding. His tall frame was clad in dark jeans and a worn leat

led out, his voic

ug on the railing

ts fluid and deliberate. "You m

autiously. "

piercing gaze locking onto

ened. "Did you kn

eyes flicked toward the house behind her. "Strange to see this

d her arms. "

n." His expression darkened, a shadow passing ov

planning to leave. I'm here to learn about my family a

rrowing slightly. "Then you should be care

is truck. The engine roared to life, and within moments, he was g

ed. Something about Liam's presence unsettled her,

usting furniture and airing out rooms gave her a sense of normalcy, though the cla

ranches twisting overhead like skeletal arms. The air grew cooler

s waters glittering. The tranquility soothed her nerves, and f

ipheral vision shat

e clearing, watching her. His golden-brown hair caught the light, and h

oice smooth but edged w

," she replied, takin

that didn't reach his eyes. "This

ed into a braid. She carried herself with a grace that felt unnatu

woman asked, her vo

e widening. "Seems we've

se quickened.

e suggested anything but. "We've been w

gaze narrowing. "You should leav

a's instincts screamed at her to ru

ring. The golden-haired man stiffene

iating power. Its green eyes locked onto the strangers,

under her breat

relia and the wolf. Finally, he nodded. "This i

he forest, their mov

to the grass. Her heart raced as the wolf app

haunches. For a moment, they simply stared at each

he whispered, her

ng her words. Then it rose and disappeared

hills, casting long shadows across the land. She locked the doors and dr

door shattere

sk and crept toward the door. Peering through the peephol

just enough to speak

his voice low. "It's about w

ng him in. He stepped inside,

the woods alone," he said, h

t was off-limits

ple you met-don't trust them. They belong to a rival pack. The

an cold. "W

ghtening. "About your gran

, her voice rising. "I'm tir

ected to this place than you realize, Aurelia. And the wolves-" He stopped hims

e said, step

ke electricity. Liam's gaze softened

ds," he said firmly. "Stay here,

he turned and left, disa

enying it now-something far bigger than her had drawn her to Ravenc