Last Vow By My Assassin

The wind howled through the trees of Nightfang territory, carrying the scent of blood and the whisper of curses long cast. Andy Parker stood at the edge of the dark forest, his massive frame rigid as he fought the beast within. It clawed at his mind, threatening to take over, as it had for the past hundred years.

The curse was worsening. His fingers curled into fists, claws threatening to break through his human skin. He gritted his teeth and turned his golden eyes to the sky. The moon was nearing its fullest form- another blood moon on the horizon. Another cycle where his soul would teeter on the edge of complete destruction.

A scent drifted through the wind, cutting through his agony. It was unfamiliar yet intoxicating, like wild jasmine after a storm. His wolf snarled, pushing against his control, and his pulse thundered in his ears... A rogue.

Andy turned sharply, eyes scanning the thick shadows between the trees. The scent grew stronger, mingling with the dampness of the earth. Someone was close... Then he saw her.

She was small, her figure lean and wrapped in worn-out clothing, but her stance was firm, her chin tilted in defiance. Her hair, wild and tangled, framed a face that was striking even in the dim light. But it was her eyes that held him captive-dark, wary, and hiding secrets he couldn't yet name.

Barbara Hill.

She hadn't meant to cross into Nightfang territory. Her goal had been simple-find shelter for the night, avoid any packs, and move on by morning. But now, she was trapped under the weight of the Alpha's golden gaze, frozen as if her body had suddenly recognized something her mind couldn't comprehend.

Danger. Power. Fate.

The monstrous wolf in front of her should have struck terror into her heart, but instead, a strange pull tightened in her chest.

"Who are you?" Andy's voice was a low growl, rough from years of isolation.

Barbara swallowed hard but held her ground. "Just passing through."

A flicker of amusement crossed his face, though it was brief. "Through my land?"

"Didn't know it was yours." She wasn't about to show fear, not when she had survived far worse.

Andy studied her for a long moment, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. The curse inside him pulsed, whispering truths he hadn't expected.

Mate.

The realization struck like a lightning bolt.

His wolf roared, a desperate, possessive sound that shook the trees. Barbara flinched, instincts screaming at her to run, but something in Andy's eyes-something wounded and desperate-held her in place.

And then, the shadows around them shifted.

The scent of enemies tainted the air.

Andy stiffened, his senses sharpening. He wasn't the only one who had noticed Barbara's presence.

"Run," he ordered, but it was already too late.

A pair of glowing red eyes emerged from the darkness.

Barbara's breath hitched as more figures emerged from the shadows- three, no, four of them- wolves with red-tinged eyes and snarls curling their muzzles.

Rogues.

But these weren't ordinary rogues. Their scent was off, tainted with something unnatural, something wrong.

Andy's body shifted, muscles coiling with tension. His wolf pushed harder, demanding to be set free, but he gritted his teeth and held his ground. If he lost control now, if he fully gave in to the curse, there was no coming back.