Chapter 49

Darius

The night air clung to my skin like damp smoke, heavy with pine and the faint scent of wolf territory. I leaned against a tree at the edge of the clearing, my arms folded as I waited.

It was a while into midnight. My favorite time of the day, that much, I will admit. But I despised waiting for someone, and when I gave an order, I always expected it to be followed.

And though she kept me waiting, it was not for long. She did her best in you, but she was still late.

Amelia crept through the underbrush, hood pulled low, her small lantern barely cutting the dark. Her steps were hesitant, the same way they always were when guilt weighed her down. Her heart raced as if she was trying to hide, but I saw right through her.

Pathetic.

When she finally stepped into the clearing, her eyes found me immediately. Fear flickered there, quick and raw, before she bowed her head.

“Alpha Darius,” she murmured. “You called for me and asked for me t