“You know, most wolves would beg for mercy,” he said, circling me like a predator sizing up his prey.

I lifted my chin. “I’m not most wolves.”

His eyes gleamed with dark amusement as he stopped in front of me. “No. You’re a headache with legs.”

I smirked. “And you’re a monster with mommy issues.”

His growl was low. Dangerous. But he didn’t step back. Neither did I.

***

I never wanted a mate, especially not him.

For years, I survived alone. Hunted. Hiding my true identity. Living in the shadows as a rogue, far from the pack politics that tore my family apart. I made peace with being invisible until fate shoved me straight into Killian Wolfe’s path.

Alpha of the Shadowfang Pack. Cursed by the Moon Goddess. Feared by all.

He was the monster mothers used to scare their pups. Cold. Merciless. Bound to a prophecy that promised nothing but ruin.

And now, he’s mine.

We were never supposed to bond. I was never supposed to matter. But the moment our eyes met, something ancient stirred—and now he won’t let me go.

Even if loving me destroys him.

Even if claiming me damns us both.