The pack house was quiet when Damien returned.

Too quiet.

The guards bowed as he passed, their eyes following him with questions they were too afraid to ask. Darius walked beside him, stiff and silent. Cassien followed a step behind, his face hard, his presence heavy like a storm that refused to break.

They entered the council hall together. Filled with regret, they had just given their rival pack what he wanted,they let fear consume them and they could only hope the baby was fine.

The elders ...