Years had passed since her parents had stopped searching, years spent in silence, refusing the handlers’ orders, refusing to bow. Wolves came and went, some screaming, some broken, none staying. She had learned to be still, invisible, untouchable.

Then he arrived.

Eathan. Black as midnight, eyes burning amber in the harsh fluorescent light. The Alpha from a rival territory moved through the holding wing like he owned the shadows, scanning cages with cold precision. A dark-furred wolf, Axel, followed a step behind, his amber gaze sweeping the room.