Issa froze. Her entire body went still, her heart pounding so hard against the metal collar around her neck that she was sure whoever it was would hear it. Her mind screamed danger, but she didn’t move. She didn’t even breathe.

"Does the Alpha let his pet wander alone? ..."

Issa’s pulse jumped even faster. The scent hit her before she saw him—different from the usual Skyhowler wolves. It wasn’t the usual sweat or iron or mud. It was cleaner. Cold and sharp forest air, and something ...