Ayla’s Pov

I stepped off the truck, and the cold mountain air hit my face. Five years away, and the Blackthorn territory still smelled the same, pine, smoke, and pack. My boots crunched on the gravel path that led to the main hall. Two guards at the gate stared like they had seen a ghost. I kept my chin high and walked straight between them. They did not try to stop me.

The big wooden doors opened before I reached them. Rowan stood there alone, Alpha Rowan now. Tall, broad, dark hair longer than I remembered. His eyes locked on me and did not move. I felt my wolf stir...