aken its toll

ies of joy. Wolves young and old lined the path as he passed, their voices raised in celebration. He'd led th

c expression, Kade f

but finding little comfort in the adoration that greeted him. His mind was on his warr

ictory people m

manor, the doors swung ope

s greeted, though there was

dropping the satchel he'd carried

s grin fading. He lowered his voice. "T

ing the bridge of his nose. "Let me g

hesitation was enough to

nt. The weight of responsibility was back on his shoulder

d before pushing himself upright a

de entered, his imposing p

e him, sat in a semicircle. Their faces were lined with age and authority, t

r Freya began, her voice steady. "The pack owes you

g for the "but" tha

g his thoughts, "our focus must now t

e it

find a mate,"

proven yourself as a warrior and a leader, but the pac

nning. "I just returned from a war. You

It's for the pack. Camille Winters has been suggested-her family is p

ader of a neighboring pack known for their political maneuvering. Kade had met her a few times at gat

it," Kade said,

expecting an answ

older this time. Without waiting for their approval, he

cus was wait

asked, though he already

mille Winters," Kade said, hi

yebrow. "That's a

the hallway, his fists clenched at his sides. "I don't

u need to

eathe. I'm not going to be pushed into anything

rgue, but his s

eft scars on the land-burned fields, uprooted trees, and the scent of smoke lingeri

yes, a jaw set in perpetual tension, and

ything for the pack-his strength, his loyalty

ers to formally introduce him to Camille. She arrived dressed to impres

false warmth. She stepped closer, laying a

ded, keeping his

herself-her accomplishments, her family's influence, her ideas for the future.

r, are you?" Camille teased

othing to say," Ka

or a moment before s

ornered Kade near t

d, though the look on Kade's

xpected," Kade said.

uncharacteristically firm. "The council won't drop it,

my choice," Kade said. He crossed his ar

th consequences,

them

step. He didn't know what the future held, but one thing was