the lingering sting of his touch on her neck, the memory of his overwhelming presence burning her skin. H

wolves, where power ruled and survival was a constant fight. And for someone like her, someone who had been aband

rned that less

ries of memories marked by loss and sorrow. Her pack had been slaughtered when she was just a pup, a victim of a brutal raid led by a rival Alpha. Her parents h

been lef

d the agony of seeing her family ripped apart-it was all a blur. But the image that haunted her the most was of

hose who had no Alpha, no Luna-were cast aside like vermin. She was a lone wolf now, and in the world of werewolves, that meant she was weak. Sh

that refused to let her be broken. She had spent years training, sharpening her sense

his. She couldn't let herself be controlled by him, not after everything she had been through. But as her gaze lin

g her in despite her resistance. The power that radiated off him was undeniable. This man was a force of nature, and for reaso

searching for something. For a moment, they stood in silence, the moonlight filtering through the canopy abo

said, her voice low but defiant. "B

sence pressing against her like an invisible weight. "You don't have a choice,

wasn't anyone's property-not anymore. Her heart raced, and her pulse quickened, but

owled, her voice stronger no

e never leaving hers. "You don't know it yet, but you

iled. How did he know her name? She hadn't told him. No one knew who she was

ed, her voice trembling slightly desp

. I know everything about you. Your past, your weaknesses, your

How could he know all that? How could he kn

me," she said quietly, a bitter edge

, his voice surprisingly gentle. "I see you. I see what you've become. And that's why I'

couldn't afford to trust anyone, not after everything she had been through. And yet, the Alpha's presence, his

tered, more to herself than to him.

aze. "Survival isn't enough. You're meant for more

what to think. Part of her wanted to scoff, to dismiss him, but an

er follow you?" she challenge

t, his smile turning almost predatory. "

began walking again, leadin

rds pressing down on her, and she realized that her life was about to change forever.

s that the path ahead was dark, and