* The Alpha’s Chambers *

  The morning sun spilled gently through the high windows of the Alpha’s chambers, casting its light on the furs tangled at the edge of the bed.

  Crystal stretched slowly, her wolf alert and restless within.

  Ryder was gone.

  His lingering scent...cedar, pine, musk filled the space but his strong presence was absent. 

  A soft knock at the door made her sit up, pulling the furs around her. The door opened ...