The eerie howl still rang in Diane's ears as she gathered her most trusted allies around her. Elena, Xavier, Gamma Leon, and her father Alpha Damien all looked to her with a mixture of concern and determination.

"This new threat poses grave danger," Damien said gruffly, his wounds still healing. "But we will face it united as one pack."

"Agreed," Xavier stated, his chin raised defiantly. "The old hostilities between our packs are merely echoes of the past. We are brothers and sisters in arms now."

Diane felt a swell of pride at their show of unity and loyalty. She met each of their gazes steadily. "The rogue alpha's betrayal...