Carina sat on the bed in Alice's room, her mind racing with thoughts of her family and her pack. She felt guilty for leaving them behind, but she also couldn't bear the thought of being mated to Tyler. Alice sat beside her, a comforting hand on her back.

"Carina, I know you're worried about your family and your pack, but you have to follow your heart," Alice said softly. "If going back means marrying Tyler, then it's up to you to decide if that's what you want."

Carina looked up at Alice, her eyes filled with confusion. "But I can't just abandon my pack. They need me now more than...