The Alpha's Songs

at the edge of the village, perched on a fallen tree trunk, his gaze fixed on the dense woods that had become both protector and threat. The memory

thoughts. He didn't need to look to know it was Liana. Her s

but he could hear the tension beneath

gaze never leaving the fo

either of them spoke, the silence thick with unspoken worries. Then she

y one haunted by that

ce low, anger simmering beneath the surface. "And he's right. This is onl

er gaze thoughtful. "Then why d

narrowing. "You think we

or them to find us isn't exactly a winning strategy. They're watching, waiting f

e was more to it. Striking first wasn't just a tactic-it was a message. One

he asked, his voice steady.

n't won't keep anyone safe. You saw how rattled the pack was last night. They need somethi

t him uneasy. She was right, in her way. The pack needed strength, assurance. And while he'd always le

t?" he asked, a hint of

age without putting the entire pack at risk. We go out in small groups, find out w

rmination in her eyes, the fire that burned just beneath her guarded surface. She was a rogue, yes, b

but resolute. "We'll go with your plan. Bu

curve of her lips. "Careful is

are moment of levity in the thick of th

t foreign in the heaviness of the moment. But it f

ity of an Alpha. "We'll gather a team and set out. If we find anything, a

r expression sob

th ahead. Callan knew this wasn't just a mission-it was a test.

hing, his face lined with worry. "We need to talk," Finn said, glancing bet

sing to his feet.

allan, his tone lowering. "There's unrest in the pack. Some do

ming hand on her shoulder, a silent gesture of t

ng a quiet authority. "Liana's here under my protection.

. "Then I hope you know what you're doing. Because if t

ily. "They'll see soon en

d walked back toward the village, hi

readable. "You're risking a lot b

pression firm. "Then don't g

between them. And in that moment, an underst

forward together, each knowing t

he clearing where he and Liana had agreed to meet. The air felt heavier tonight, as if the

eaves, the distant hoot of an owl, the footsteps approaching him from behind. He tur

steady but her gaze probing, as though she w

on threading through him. "Finn and a few others are already stationed

ion in her eyes. "Good. The less n

loor. Every step brought them closer to the northern perimeter, where the hunters had last been spotted. Callan kept

wonder what drives them to come after us

rmur. "Fear, mostly. Ignorance. They see u

voice. "Funny how the ones shouting the loudest

ed to ask her more, to peel back the layers of whatever past had shaped her distrust, but this wasn't the time.

rouching behind a large rock, his gaze scanning the shadowed expanse below. The faint gli

ed, his voice barel

sion sharpening. "At lea

ated, each gesture cautious. These weren't amateurs. They moved with purp

allan muttered, his mind racing

na's lips. "Then we don't.

ued despite himself. "And ho

ove fast enough, we can circle back, make some noise, and lead them

tly with their current position. It was risky, but if e

, nodding. "But if a

ith a fierce grin

aped him, despite the seriousness of thei

ed, her gaze gleaming with a spa

y along the ridge. Callan's heartbeat thrummed in sync with the pounding of his feet, his focus narrowing to the task ahe

and Callan let out a sharp, piercing whistle. The hunters below froze, t

branch, drawing their attention further. A few of the hunter

pered, her voice ta

hen veering toward the path that would lead them to the ambush point. As they moved, Callan c

through a dense patch of underbrush, breaking into the clear

ut a word, Callan signaled him, a swift gesture that co

eam into position. The forest fell into an expectant hush, every wo

to shock as he took in the circle of wolves surrounding him. His hand went to his weapon, but he was too

inated precision. Callan watched as his pack held the intruders at bay, his gaze

, shattering the silence, sending a ripple of shock through the clearing.

thought to protect his pack, his people. The hunter's gaze met his, a flicker o

she tackled the hunter, sending him sprawling to the ground. The gun

them like a dark cloud. Callan's gaze met Liana's, a silent th

hem. And now, more than