Ella walked into Alpha Moore’s office, the familiar scent of leather and aged wood welcoming her. As usual, he sat behind his large mahogany desk, composed and focused on a document in his hands. His face, though calm, had a glimmer of intensity in his eyes as he read. Without thinking, Ella moved toward him, her exhaustion weighing her down. She leaned slightly against the edge of his desk, seeking comfort in his steady presence.

“A patient lost his wolf today,” Ella said softly, her ...