CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA OF THE SOUTH

lung to the walls like breath on glass. With her fingers grazing the chil

nched behind his back in a tight position. In front of him were maps with red-cir

he door,

rd, the faint slam of t

looked deeper this morning, carved by worry

knowing that it would not be li

ble. "I've defended this territory, forged alliances, buried enemies. But nothing

efully. "You're tal

this way to share trade routes and polite conversation,"

"You think he's p

just don't know

ce stretched

borders nearly touched. "There've been increased patrols along the western ridge

confron

e without proof would be foolish. Bu

her voice quieter. "Do

for that. Lucien is the kind of Alpha who poisons th

ed heavily in C

ter now. "You're going t

ghtly. "You've never

one day, you'll need to know not just how to fight; but how to lead. And that means making impo

s gaze made her

he continued. "Even with yo

slightly. "You're t

o this pack. But love can blind even the sharpest

ngers curling into fists. "

Derek said gently. "But

in the air long aft

he eastern cliffs. The wind howled in distant bursts, and ice cracke

her knees and tried to si

the corners of her heart. Logan had been distant. His eyes clouded, his thoughts somewhere

essure, she told h

. Trusting the right people. Knowing wh

at if she wasn't ready for the

her eyes and dr

whisper

the wind sting her face and clear her though

ovements. The careful words. The way Lucien's arrival had shifted t

han

ine. It had been-what? Three, maybe four days since

for nothing in particular, but unable to

gan. But she would

dness was thin; and she intended

-----

ind the mountains when cha

. Just as warriors hurried past her on their way t

crunching through the snow,

diers on guard and tense. His coat was stained with blood, and

side!" a vo

steady him as he half-collapsed. His brea

s later, flanked by

ened?" Der

ush... in the north... near Hollow

ek knelt b

trembled as he reached into his coat and pulled out a piece of torn

tyard fe

e world tilt be

, his jaw tight. "Get

t the message he brought remai

made his

to Derek. "S

zen, breath catch

ived. And they carried the