My fingers tug at his shirt, the fabric tearing under my grip, and I feel Eric’s hands on my shoulders, his lips moving lower, trailing fire across my skin. It’s raw, consuming, the kind of heat that could burn this whole pack house down. 

I want more—more of Rick, more of Eric, more of this bond that makes us whole, even without her.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” a voice snaps, sharp and raw, cutting through the haze.

I freeze, my lips still on Rick’s, my hands gripping his hair. I turn my head, slow and deliberate, and there she is—Lia, standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock, her face a storm of fury and something else, something that makes my wolf howl. 

My smirk widens, slow and deliberate, as I meet her gaze, letting her see every bit of the monster she hates.

Chapter 50: Roots and Secrets 🐺🔥🌙


I stand in front of the Ironfang pack, my heart racing, a small smile tugging at my lips. 


This is it — the place they say I belong, the place I was born. 


The pack house looms ahead: stone and wood, heavy and old, carved with wolf symbols that look familiar, like a dream I can't quite grab. 


My hands feel a little cool against my sides. Behind me, Dorian, Eric, Rick, and Dean stand close. Their presence was a weight more like solid and steady. 


The mate bond hums warm and strong in my chest. I feel them more than I see them; their eyes on me, careful and protective, like they'd fight anyone who came too near.


People in the yard stop and stare as we walk forward. The pack members' faces are a mix of awe and fear. Some of them step back, as if they're afraid of the Lycans at my side. Maybe they're afraid of me instead. Maybe both. I keep my shoulders straight and my head high. I have to know if this place can be mine.


Chapter 51 - chapter 50