KELLY THOMPSON'S POV

The earth quaked beneath our entwined fury, a silent witness to the cataclysm we wrought. Alpha Biansky's breath came in ragged torrents, his every snarl syncing with the primal drumbeat of battle. I could feel the pulse of the North pack's territory beneath my feet, an ancient rhythm that had long preceded us and would outlast the outcome of our clash.

"Give in, Kelly," he growled, voice laced with a wrath born of countless moons. "Your compassion will be your downfall."

I ...