Alex Jr. wiped his palms on his jeans for the third time as he waited near the neutral border crossing between the packs. He had texted Elara earlier, heart hammering while he typed: Want to get out of pack territory for a bit? Just us. A real date. Her reply had come fast—Yes. Pick me up at the crossing.
Now here he was, leaning against his truck, nerves and excitement twisting together. The faint mate bond hummed steadily in his chest, warmer every day.
When Elara appeared, stepping out from the trees, his breath caught. She wore a simple sundress that hugged her curves and fluttered around her strong thighs, her dark hair loose and catching the sunlight. She looked beautiful—strong and feminine at the same time. Different from her training gear, but just as stunning.
“Hey,” she said,
