Kael froze under Derek's cold, penetrating gaze. His heart pounded, knowing he was caught with no clear way to explain himself. The Alpha of the Moonstone Pack stepped closer, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

“What are you doing out here, Kael?” Derek’s voice was cold, and his posture screamed suspicion.

Kael straightened, forcing himself to meet Derek’s eyes. “I have something important to tell you,” he said carefully.

Derek’s brow arched, his expression unreadable. “Important enough to sneak in and out of my territory in the middle of the night?”

Kael exhaled sharply, knowing he had no time to dance around the truth. “I’ve been to...