Chapter 4

The morning sun filtered through the cabin windows, casting warm patterns across Annie's sleeping face. I'd barely slept, my mind racing with thoughts of Marcus discovering our absence. By now, he would have returned to an empty pack house, his carefully constructed façade crumbling around him. The thought brought a cold satisfaction that surprised even me.

A soft knock at the door announced Gideon's arrival. The Beta's expression was carefully neutral as he handed me a steaming mug of coffee.

"Alpha Ryan requests your presence at the main house once you've settled," he said, his voice low to avoid waking…