Alexei’s POV

“Alpha Dex,” he finally introduced himself, his voice gravelly as he led us toward the pack house.

“Alexei,” I answered shortly. He gave a sharp nod, but my focus remained on Novel. I tightened my grip on her hand. Her skin felt small and fragile in my protective hold.

As we walked, I noticed how thin the pack members looked, ribs subtly shadowing through shirts, eyes sunken with a weariness that made my stomach turn. Mothers pulled their children into the safety of their skirts, their knuckles white as they gripped them. The children stopped their play, their toys falling to the dirt as they stared at the...