Asher’s eyes darkened. “I don’t know. That’s part of the problem. He has his reasons, and I have to find out what they are before it gets worse. But I know one thing for sure—he doesn’t come without consequences.”
I glanced back at the stranger. Rafe’s eyes were still on us, calm, calculating, as if he had all the time in the world. There was no panic, no hesitation, only quiet menace.
“He’s not here to play.” I whispered, voice trembling slightly.
Asher nodded. “No. He’s not. And if we’re not careful… he could turn this entire pack against us—or worse, use them to get to me.”
I felt a shiver run down my spine. “Why you? Why target you?”
He exhaled slowly. “Back then… Rafe was supposed to be my partner, my right hand. We were supposed to rise together in the pack hierarchy. But I refu
