Alaric‘s pov.

We reached the edge of Ironclaw territory just as the sun dipped beneath the tree line—bleeding red across the sky like a wound.

And there he was.

Marcus.

Already waiting.

Shit.

Not just him either.

I spotted Regulus next. Then the others. Silent. Watching. I should’ve expected it. Should’ve known they'd anticipate my return. No matter how carefully I hid my trail, they always sensed a shift in power. Wolves could smell fear. ...