Richard sat across from her, tending to the smoldering remains of the fire. His green eyes, so reminiscent of her own, crinkled at the corners as he offered her a warm smile.

"Morning. Did you rest well?"

Elena shifted, suppressing a wince as her muscles protested from their endless trek. "Well enough," she replied, her voice hoarse.

An awkward silence stretched between them until Richard cleared his throat. "We should get moving soon. Put some more distance between us and the pack territory before they have a chance to pick up our trail again."

A shiver ran down Elena's spine at the thought of Kaden and his wolves hot on...