Chapter 32. Leon Finds the Village

Leon’s POV

The food stores we’d set aside for the Crimson Howl pack seemed to have run perilously low, or at least that was the impression I allowed everyone to believe. In truth, I’d been secretly disposing of our rations to force the issue to a head more quickly. Why would I do that? Because ever since Ronir returned to the village, we had been desperately short of capable warriors. It was only a matter of time before I would have to undertake the hunt myself.

Ronir had confided in me about Celeste. He’d proven himself an unwaveringly loyal Beta—so loyal that, had Marcus not held the upper hand in sheer power, I would have elevated Ronir to second-in-command long ago. Ronir’s ability to keep a secret set him apart from his boisterous predecessor and earned my respect. That, more than anything else, was why I trusted him.

“I beg you, my Alpha, it’s far too dangerous. At least let me accompany you!” Lira pleaded, tears shining in her eyes. I regarded her in