akes the ground beneath us feel like it's trembling. We're either definitely going to all die, or he's going t

a Lupine growl again, and it sends a shiver through me. What's his problem? I glance at him, watching his large, imposing figure, but I can't

e as he continues his path forward. My instincts scream at me to back down, but I can't. I'm frozen. All I can do is watch h

ls like it's inevitable-an explosive clash between two powerful forces. But then something

walks past our alp

hael doesn't stop or acknowledge anyone, his focus entirely on his destination: me. I can feel my pulse quicken, panic rising in my chest as he approaches.

the

myself to stand my ground. I stare up into his caramel brown eyes, my breath shallow. He's massive-bigger than anything I've ever seen. Taller than Ka

ha snarls, a deep, guttural sound, Kaiden freezes. The sheer dominance in the sound sends a wave of fear through the pack, myself included. Kaiden h

t terri

re, heart racing, every instinct in my body screaming at me to flee. But I can't. My feet a

or the worst, my eyes never leaving his. I know that I'm the smallest in the pack, the easiest target, and I'm fully aware of the truth: It won't

r the inevitable, som

on't understand, and I realize I'm not terrified as I should be. Instead, there's a pull. A connection. It's like my wolf is responding to h

, and yet... part of

clear the confusing thoughts. I'm in control, no

eact. His massive hand darts out, and before I can blink, he grabs me by the scruff of my neck like I'm nothing more than a

p him. Kaiden watches me helplessly, his face a mask of anger and frustration, but I can

ack behind us, but no one dares to follow. The sound of footsteps behind me fades as we get deeper

g myself to be brave, to not l

ble as my feet hit the ground. My knees buckle, and I nearly fall, but I catch myself just in time. The

nsignificant. Compare

but there's something in his gaze, something... approving? My heart races again, but this time, it

's happening, but my breath catches in my throat. Why hasn't he killed me yet? Why hasn't he hurt me? He does the

e actua

unsure of how to react. This can't be happening. This can't be real. But as he con

mind, and I nearly stumble backward in shock. His voice is de

my

hell is h