Months had passed since the battle on the old hunting grounds. Storm territory stood stronger than ever—borders reinforced with Naida’s hunter knowledge, the pack unified under their Alpha and Luna. Naida Storm walked the paths of her new home with quiet confidence, the full claiming mark on her neck a proud symbol rather than a secret. She no longer flinched at the title. She wore it like armor.
Today she stood on the ridge overlooking the pack lands, wind tugging at her dark hair. Modric came up behind her, his strong arms wrapping around her waist. His scent—dark pine and rain—wrapped around her soul.
“You’ve been quiet today,” he murmured against her neck, lips brushing the mark.
Naida leaned back into his solid chest. “Thinking. About everything. The blood, the pain, the running. I
