Kael’s POV

The Alpha stood at our gate with four armed guards, and I knew this night would end in either violence or transformation. "I'm not leaving without those three wolves," Alpha Derrick said. "They belong to Eastern Ridge Pack."

"They belong to themselves," I replied. Behind me, Jenna, Marcus, and Ava were shaking. I felt Mira's presence beside me, steady, certain. "You abandoned your pack, Kael. You don't get to lecture me about duty."

"You're right. I did abandon my pack. Best ...