*Shadow Pack ---- Alpha's Quarters, Night*

Crystal had grown used to the constant hum of wolves patrolling outside, but tonight even that seemed distant.

She lay beside Ryder, tracing idle patterns over the hard lines of his chest. Each line of scar beneath her fingertips was a story of battles survived, friends lost, and promises kept. She followed them slowly, until her hand rested over his heartbeat. His golden eyes had finally closed. For a moment, she let herself believe in ...