Ethan and Elizabeth arrived back at the pack house in a daze. They had narrowly escaped a potentially deadly situation, and neither of them could shake the feeling of dread that had washed over them.

Ethan ushered Elizabeth into their shared bedroom, wanting to make sure she was okay. He could sense her fear and anxiety, and it made him feel like he had failed as an Alpha and as a partner.

"Are you okay, Elizabeth? Did they hurt you?" Ethan asked, sounding worried.

"I'm fine, Ethan. Just a little shaken up. That was... intense," Elizabeth said, shivering at the memory.

Ethan wrapped his arms around her, holding her close....