Chapter 24: The Masked Alpha

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves and wood smoke as I stood beside Asher on the steps of the pack house. We were awaiting the arrival of our mysterious guests - the Alpha and Luna of the Shadow Ridge Pack. My heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and unease.

Over the past few years, whispers of the Shadow Ridge Pack had spread throughout werewolf territories like wildfire. They had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, carving out a vast territory in the northern wilderness. Their rapid rise to power was unprecedented, leaving other packs both awed and wary.

"Are you nervous?" Asher's warm breath tickled my ear as he leaned close.

I gave him a small smile, trying to hide my apprehension. "A little," I admitted. "There's so much we don't know about them."