Adrian's POV

The moon hung heavy in the night sky, casting a silver glow over the ancient trees that surrounded our pack territory. I walked through the dense woods, my mind tangled in thoughts of Hailey, my destined mate. The bond between us was supposed to be unbreakable, a force that bound us together, yet her rejection echoed in my heart like a haunting melody.

I found a secluded spot at the edge of the pack territory, the rough bark of a fallen log grounding me in the present turmoil. My ...