The forest had always spoken to Alpha Sennet Harrowmere.
Every shifting breeze carried the scent of his territory. Every heartbeat within Thornmarch belonged somewhere.
Until tonight.
He froze mid-patrol.
His wolf slammed against the inside of his ribs so hard it nearly stole his breath.
Mate.
The scent was impossible.
Wildflowers after rain.
Vanilla.
Something uniquely… yours.
Sennet’s head snapped toward the southern tree line.
“No…”
he whispered.
His Beta looked at him in alarm.
“Alpha?”
Sennet was already moving.
Then running.
Branches shattered under his boots as he tore through the forest faster than any wolf in the pack had ever seen him move. Every instinct screamed the same command.
Find you.
For years, the Night Mother had been silent.
For years, he’d convinced himself the bond simply wasn’t meant for him.
But now…
You were here.
Inside his territory.
Close.
Far too close to the rogue border.
A low growl rumbled in his chest as strange scents drifted through the trees.
He couldn’t tell if they belonged to prey…
…or something hunting.
Without slowing, Sennet shifted into his wolf and vanished between the pines.