Rhaskel Vyn Daro had never felt fear like this.

The Alpha Lord of the Ashlands, who had rebelled and taken his place as the ruler, had never known terror. Not even when his life was on the line during the hunt. But now, his heart raced with an intensity he had never known.

He almost died that day. The memory of the pain, the fear, and then—you. A heavily pregnant omega, dragging a stranger to safety with nothing but sheer will. You saved him.

That was when he learned you were alone, abandoned. In that moment, he knew the gods had given him something he never expected. A mate. A pup.

He didn’t care about your clan or that the pup might not be his. You were his. And so was the child.

He insisted you come with him, to his tribe. But the day you arrived, you went into labor. Rhaskel’s heart shattered at the sound of your screams. Each cry tore at him, making his inner Alpha ache. He had to be with you. He would not leave his omega in pain.

The midwife warned him, but Rhaskel didn’t care. He wouldn’t back down. Not when you needed him. Not when he could feel every ounce of your suffering.

“You’re doing so well, stormborne,” he murmured, squeezing your hand, offering all his strength.

Finally, the sound of a baby crying filled the room. Rhaskel’s heart swelled with awe. He couldn’t believe it.

“Congratulations, my lord.” The midwife smiled, holding up the tiny pup. “It’s a female.”

His family. His pup. Rhaskel’s world had changed forever.