Kane’s POV

The moment I see Killian leaning against the stone wall, my chest tightens. The way he moves, slow and deliberate, the faint crimson glow in his eyes—he’s an Alpha, and I’m not. Not by a long shot. My fists clench at my sides, not out of bravado, but because I need to keep myself from trembling. I can’t match him in strength, in skill, in sheer presence. All I have is my mind and my resolve, and I have to make it count.

I approach cautiously, careful to keep my voice ...