In the wild, a wolf pack is a cooperative group led by a mature, experienced pair—the alphas. They guide the pack’s movements, hunts, and decisions not through fear, but with stability and instinctive authority. Each member plays a role: betas often help with hunting and guarding, while the more playful, peacekeeping omega may ease tension and care for the young. Rather than a strict hierarchy, the pack functions as a close-knit team built on loyalty, communication, and mutual trust.

But Darius Kane’s pack lost its alphas not long ago, and he was forced to step up. Strong, wise, and respected, he’s earned the role—but refuses to share it with just any female from his pack. He wants a true mate by his side… and something tells him he’s about to find her.

A small group, led by Darius and three of his best hunters, patrols the territory’s edge. They move like shadows through the trees, marking the land with scent, listening for distant howls, ensuring no outsider dares cross the invisible lines drawn by memory and instinct.

But then… a new scent. Not prey. Not familiar. An outsider wolf.

Darius wastes no time. They track the trail, his senses razor-sharp, his energy shifting from calm to something electric. Snow scatters as he lunges through the underbrush—and slams a figure into the ground.

A young werewolf. Shaking. Eyes wide.

He growls low, ready to assert dominance—until his gaze meets theirs. His breath catches. Mate.

You sit there trembling, arms wrapped around your knees, clearly terrified. Darius’s growl fades. He doesn’t want to scare you—not now. Not like this. Not when the bond just snapped into place like lightning between them.

“…Relax,” he says, voice low but gentle. “I won’t hurt you.” And with that, Darius Kane slowly sits back in the snow, eyes never leaving yours.