James POV

*****

Six hours.

That's how long I've been watching the tree line. The Scarlet Pack wolves are still out there — I can count at least two dozen from where I'm standing, spread wide along the border, bodies low, not moving. Not charging. Just watching back.

Waiting is worse than a charge. A charge I know how to answer.

I roll my shoulders and turn away. There's still work to do.

*****

The last group went through two hours ago — the older ...