Chapter one hundred and thirty

A Tense Homecoming

The atmosphere was thick with tension, the scent of blood and sweat still clinging to the air. Wolves filled the pack house grounds, their murmurs mixing with the distant howls of the night.

Marcus strode forward, his face unreadable, his strong arms cradling Kendra against his chest. Blood trickled from the deep bite wound on her leg, her blonde hair clinging to her sweat-dampened forehead. She groaned softly, her grip tightening around Marcus' neck.

Then he saw her.

Standing near the entrance, framed by the torchlight, Alina.

She looked nervous, her hazel eyes searching his face for something—relief, maybe even happiness. But Marcus' expression remained stone cold.

"Hi," Alina greeted softly, forcing a small, hesitant smile and giving him a wave.