Kae

yes scanned the area with the skill of an Alpha who had learned to read every detail, every oddity, and every possible threat. I didn't come to explore for fun or to walk through a forest for peace or solitude. I came to check out a pack that had been bothering me and challenging my authority and my beliefs. I had heard the stories about

ot meant to lead, go against the rules, or have the kind of fire I had read about in reports from this area. For years, I had thought that hierarchy was necessary for survival and contr

r the faintest movements ahead of me, the sound of people working on purpose but quickly. The Omegas were out in the open, working hard, moving carefully, and paying close attention. Most of them were sma

sharp and focused as she carefully did her job. Her hands were steady, and she moved with purpose, but there was more to it. Her stance showed that she was determined and that she didn't belong in the sha

teps that I couldn't see and anticipating problems that hadn't happened yet. And even though I had trained myself to ignore my feelings and act like an Alpha who couldn't be swayed by curiosity or whi

alive. People who were loyal to an Alpha were a sign of their strength. They could enforce rules without hesitation or doubt. Any disobedience, especially among Omegas, was a threat to stability,

plans, and looking ahead. Even though I tried to stay neutral, a small, sharp grin pulled at my lips. She had no idea I was there, or that an Alpha was watching and judging

asure its strength, and figure out what threat or value it might have. There was no room for feelings in an Alpha's job. Yes, you

er body, and moving her gaze from the disturbance to her work with a smoothness that showed training, awareness, and instinct. My eyebrows went up a little bit. She was good at wh

ves. But here she was, going against the norm and making a statement in a way that was clear and needed attention, and maybe even respect. I couldn't decide if I shoul

heart race a little faster, and I told myself that an Alpha must always be in charge, always be one step ahead, and never let curiosity or interest get in the way of authority. Still, I couldn't sh

e easy, useful, and final. But the way she held herself and the quiet strength that came from her told me that this would not work. She wasn't a follower, and she wouldn't give in easily. To d

turned back to the clearing. She moved like a predator, a ghost among the trees, but she left behind a presence that felt like a challenge. My

wasn't loud, it wasn't showy, and it wasn't easy to see. But I could feel it coming from her, a strong, smart, and willful current that couldn't be igno

r to keep, and the person who would stay on my mind longer than I wanted. I couldn't yet name her, face her, or decide if she was a thr

liked to play tricks on people who weren't ready, but this time I felt something planned, something on purpose. A voi

had a strength, a defiance, and a certainty tha

rthern Alder, or someone who would just give up. But she had spoken first, acknowledging my presence and daring me to act. At that moment, I

My heart raced, and a chill ran down my back. She was watching me, daring me, and waiting. And in that moment, I

find out exactly