*Greenwood — The Alpha's Quarters, Midnight*

For the first time in what felt like forever, the night was still.

Inside the Alpha’s guest quarters, firelight flickered low across stone walls, painting Ryder’s bare shoulders in gold. 

His wolf, Aiden, prowled restless beneath his skin, urging him closer to the bond that burned between him and Crystal.

She sat by the window, bathed in silver moonlight, her hair spilling loose over her shoulders. 

Her skin glowed faintly. Her hands rested ...