r was thick with the earthy scent of pine and damp soil, and every snap of a twig underfoot set Jason on edge. His golden e

shed against his every so often, a silent reassurance t

ason said finall

aw, the stiffness in his shoulders. "What's the pl

"I don't know. I broke every rule when

im. "You left for a reason, Jason. F

tanding, Emma. They're about loyalty, strength, and survival. I abandon

topping him in his tracks. "

worth it. If asking for their help is the only way to k

she nodded, her finger

ason said, hi

w of lights ahead. The pack's territory was sprawling, a mix of rustic cabins and open l

howl cut through the air,

we're her

adows. Wolves, both in human and beast form, surrounded them,

deep voice

dark hair streaked with gray at the temples. His pie

is voice steady. "I need

diating authority. "You've got some ner

son replied, his tone calm b

then back to Jason. "And who's t

ason stepped in front of her protectiv

the gathered wolves, their reacti

ned. "You left your family

d the Bloodfangs are after us. They won't stop until they've taken he

nce with another wolf standing nearby, a lean m

t. "You expect us to risk everything for you?

I'm here now, asking for your help. Not for me-for Emma. The Blood

of a position, Jason. Magnus and his pack are a threat we've been try

ility," Jason said. "But

d silently among themselves. Finally, a woman with short

the murmurs. "Jason might have left, but he's still one of us. A

We'll talk. But don't think for a sec

-

mma stood in the center of the room, surrounded by pack memb

the table, his arms c

obsessed with her, and Magnus sees her as a way to get to me. They'

gnus so interested in you?

Because I'm a threat to

the room's stares. "I know I don't belong in your world, bu

f a smile tugging at her lips. "Yo

n't just about you two. If Magnus comes fo

w what I've done. I know I don't deserve your f

nsidered his words. Finally, Vincen

said. "It'll be because protecting our territory is our

yes filled with gra

-

ck trained tirelessly, honing their skills and fortifying thei

th pride and worry. He was in his element here, commanding r

Emma found Jason standing alone at the edge of t

ughts?" she asked,

softening. "Just thinking about wha

g her fingers with his. "We won't lose

with a mixture of love and determi

eserve everything, Jason. And we're

he forest whispered around them. For a moment, the wei

t. The Bloodfangs were coming, and when t

Jason wouldn'