Chapter Six: Shadows at the Edge
The howl had woken the entire pack.
Rina stood near the entrance of the Alpha's estate, wrapped in Kael's heavy cloak, watching as warriors gathered, weapons gleaming in the dawn light.
Kael's presence was magnetic, pulling the pack into silent formation. His jaw was tight, eyes sharp as a predator's. Rina felt the tension in the air like a living thing.
"Rogues," Kael said, his voice low but fierce. "They test us again. They want something."
"What do they want?" Rina asked quietly, stepping beside him despite the cold biting her skin.
Kael's golden gaze met hers. "Power. Control. Always control."
A sudden movement caught her eye. A figure stepped from the shadows beyond the outer trees—a man tall and lithe, but with eyes that burned cold.
"Varek."
Kael's muscles tensed visibly.
Rina followed his gaze. "Who's that?"
"A rogue who once sought to claim the Blackridge pack for himself," Kael said grimly. "He was banished years ago."
Varek's lips curled into a mocking smile as he raised a hand in greeting.
"You'll pay for what you did," Kael growled.
Varek laughed, a sound that sent a shiver down Rina's spine.
"Old wounds bleed anew, Alpha."
Rina squeezed Kael's arm. "What now?"
"We defend," Kael said. "But this time, it's different. Varek doesn't just want land—he wants her."
Rina's breath caught.
"Her?" she whispered.
Kael's eyes darkened with warning. "You."
The realization hit Rina like a blow. She was more than the healer's apprentice. More than just a girl caught in a dangerous game.
She was the key.
The prize.
And now, the target.
As the pack braced for war, Kael pulled Rina close.
"You're mine," he said fiercely, voice low enough for only her to hear.
"And I'm not letting you go."
Rina's heart thundered.
For the first time, she wasn't afraid.