Chapter 62. A Fragile Deal

The morning sun rose over the sprawling lands of Derek’s pack, the shadows stretching long and thin across the frost-kissed earth. Derek stood on the balcony of his manor, his piercing eyes scanning the distant horizon. The cool air bit at his skin, but he barely noticed. His thoughts were consumed by the man who now waited within his territory.

Kael.

The name was infamous. Once the Alpha of the powerful Blackthorn pack, Kael’s fall from grace had sent ripples through every pack in the region. The council had banished him, branding him a rogue. Some said it was because he failed to protect his pack; others whispered that darker secrets lay behind his downfall. Regardless of the truth, his name was now a warning—a symbol of what happened when power slipped through an Alpha’s fingers.

“Alpha,” a familiar voice called from behind him.

Derek turned to see Alex, his Beta, stepping onto the balcony. His brown eyes were serious, his posture tense.

“You’ve been