An Alpha's Torment and a Web of Lies

The cold water splashed across my face did nothing to wash away the bone-deep exhaustion. Three days of meetings with neighboring packs had left me drained in a way I hadn't experienced before. I gripped the edges of the hotel bathroom sink, staring at my reflection.

"Pull it together, Knight," I muttered to myself. "One more day."

My wolf paced restlessly inside me, desperate to return home—to return to her. Elara. Just thinking her name sent a wave of longing through my body. We'd been apart before, but this time felt different. Maybe because of her promise when I returned... the thought of finally making her completely mine set my blood on fire.

A knock at the door dragged me from my thoughts.

"Rhys?" My father's voice. "The Blackrock Alpha is waiting."

I dried my face quickly. "Coming."