Chapter 4 The Alpha's pack.

The forest blurred past in streaks of green and shadow as Kael ran, paws pounding the earth, his wolf a silent storm beneath the rising sun. He pushed himself harder, faster, as if outrunning the pull of her - the girl wgho'd stirred something dark and primal in him.

But no distance could dull it. No wind could tear her scent from his mind.

By the time he crossed into Savage Moon territory, his muscles burned, his breath came ragged, and his control hung by a thread. The land here was wild - ancient trees twisted with age, black stones jutting like broken teeth from the soil. The remnants of their ancestors' fortress loomed nearby, half-swallowed by vines.

Kael shifted back in a snarl of pain and power, skin slick with sweat, blood humming with need. He barely had time to steady himself before a voice rang out.

"You're late, Alpha."

Kael turned, baring his teeth. "Careful, Ronan."

The Beta stepped from the shadows, arms crossed over his broad chest. His dark hair fell to his shoulders in tangled waves, and the scar that cut through his brow only made his gray eyes look sharper. "Where were you?"

Kael didn't answer. He didn't need to. The scent of human clung to him - delicate, sweet, unmistakable.

Ronan's expression darkened. "Her again."

A low growl built in Kael's chest. "Mind your place."

"I am minding it." Ronan took a step closer. "I'm doing what no one else here will - telling you the truth. She's a distraction. A danger. The hunters are closing in, and the Bloodfang Pack circles our borders. And you're chasing a human?"

"She's mine." The words left Kael's mouth before he could stop them - a fierce, possessive snarl that made the air crackle.

Ronan exhaled, frustration etched deep. "She'll be your ruin."

The pack's healer moved with grace, her slim form cloaked in dark green, honey-brown hair braided down her back. Her hazel eyes softened when they found Kael, but there was steel beneath them.

"Kael," he said quietly. "You're the alpha. Come back to us."

Kael looked past them both, to where the forest thinned, and the world beyond called to him with the promise of silver eyes and defiant strength. "I never left.

"And the girl?" Ronan pressed.

Kael's eyes gleamed gold in the dim light. "She stays untouched. By everyone but me."

---

Far from the pack's territory, Lyra stood at her window, staring out at the night.

Sleep evaded her. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him - Kael, with his golden gaze and the way he'd touched her bruise like it broke him to see it.

No one hurts what's mine.

The words curled around her heart, dangerous and sweet.

She touched her birthmark absently, and gasped.

It was warm beneath her fingertips. Warmer than skin should be.

The wind howled beyond the trees, and she swore she heard it - a wolf's call, low and mournful. And as the sound echoed through the night, something in her blood answered. A strange, wild ache that left her breathless.

She fell into restless sleep at last, but the dreams found her again.

The wolf stood before her - silver-furred, eyes the color of the storm. This time it howled, and she felt the sound tear through her, as if it was calling to something hidden deep inside.

Come home, the dream seemed to whisper. Come back to who you are.

---

Kael stood on the cliff that overlooked the valley, the wind whipping his hair, the moon painting him in silver light.

His pack had gone silent for the night. His duties were done. And yet here he was - drawn to the edge of his world, watching over hers.

"Mine," he said, the word barely a breath, a promise carved in stone.

His wolf paced beneath his skin, restless, hungry.

"She doesn't know it yet," Kael murmured. "But she will. I'll make her see."

No matter the cost.