Leon paced the study, his silver hair disheveled and his eyes darkened from sleeplessness. The events of the previous night shook him to the core: Linda’s cries, her pain, the sudden, suffocating tightening in the pack bond he felt, but could not explain. His wolf roared beneath his skin, sensing a disturbance far older than his lineage, older than Eden itself.

“Marcel!” Leon’s voice called out. The Alpha appeared in the doorway, looking disheveled.

“I’m here,” Marcel said quietly. He rubbed the back of his neck, as if the simple act could anchor him against the unease gripping him.

Leon’s glare was sharp enough to cut steel. “I need you...