Claire's pov

"Do you trust Ryker?" I asked, my heart pounding with anticipation in my chest.

Darien's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes narrowing as he considered my question.

"I trust him as far as I can throw him," he said finally, his voice low and husky. "But I believe he's genuinely committed to this alliance. And I'm willing to take that chance, for the sake of our pack."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe I was just being paranoid, I thought. Maybe Ryker was on ...