slow decay of loyalty. He had stared death in the face and walked away more times than he could co

bo

gi

s of the forest where the border stones

sharp it cut through the morning chill. His wolf stirred immediately, alert

you killed. Strategy, discipline, and strength ke

as p

ic. Un

ili

len, her arm bruised. Her brown hair was tangled with leaves and dried blood. He hesitated only briefly before lift

uld be

me unbidden, c

with weakness only to turn rogue the moment his back was turned. And the Blood

de

he memory of that name. Th

girl was

was something

es of the guards and pack members who had begun their early patrols. The

hat?" Cassian aske

et," Reece repl

ssed the

ur land. Bleedi

ils flared. "Co

kno

ut

aler's table, his movements uncharacteristically gentle. His gaz

id finally. "Smells like Blood

narrowed. "Yo

didn't

em that pulled tight the moment she fell into his arms. It wasn't a mate bond. He knew what

trust feelings.

ly not a

she stirs. I want to be the

ed. "You think

s unreadable. "I thin

*

ould later learn, slep

ected bite on her leg. Whatever wolves had chased her hadn't just been following orders, t

mpress

him more tha

d down an omega with this

from something

itch, every sigh. She was young, maybe barely eighteen. But her expression, even in sle

ed him of

e became aft

want to look awa

gone eerily silent t

**

ay, her eyes f

honey and shadows. They blinked slowly as i

her head

despite the pain, and she tried to sit up, immediately winci

id firmly. "Yo

voice was hoarse. "

tory. You cros

. Her eyes darted around the room before ret

once. "And

id, swallowing.

raised a brow at the revelation. R

you runnin

dug into the blanket. "Be

s head slightly

softly, almost too soft

e fr

ian's bre

dn't want him. He... he forced the bond. Said

cracked. "

grudges rise in his chest. Ryder hadn't changed. S

trembling now. "Please.

at her for

low nod, he sa

er cheek, but she didn't sob. She just looked... relieved. Like someone

his throat. "Ree

lowed him

sure about this? If Ryder finds

Reece growle

elieve

ece said. "And the scent

"You feel... some

said n

h, he felt

ed him more than

*

eece returned

l awake, starin

chair beside

Not by anyone. But if you stay, you follow Redc

owly. "That's al

long moment before sta

nto the faintest smile

efore he let the pull in his