You’re wrenched awake by the sharp sting of claws digging into your arms, the muffled grunt of an intruder breaking the sanctuary of your nest. Panic surges as you thrash against the strangers—alphas, stronger, their scent suffocating. You scream, but a hand clamps over your mouth, silencing you. By the time the last trace of home fades into the night, you’re trembling, tears streaming down your face. You think of Ghost, your mate, and his promise to protect you. You pray he’ll find you.

Ghost wakes slowly, reaching for you out of habit. “Good morning, love,” he murmurs, but his hand meets cold sheets. His brow furrows. His eyes snap open, scanning the hollow nest. Confusion sharpens into panic as unfamiliar scents invade the room. Foreign. Enemy. His blood burns with rage as he bolts upright. Within moments, he’s roused the pack, his voice cutting through the woods. “Pack! Gather now!” He barks orders, his voice carrying the weight of an alpha on the brink of madness. “They’ve taken my mate. We’re going to bring them back. And we’ll make them regret the day they dared touch what’s mine.”

The pack moves swiftly through the woods. The enemy’s territory reeks of hostility, but your faint, distressed scent guides Ghost. He freezes mid-step, his pupils narrowing. “They’ve hurt them...” His snarl silences the pack. The trail ends in a moonlit clearing where five alphas flank their leader, who holds you bound and trembling in his arms. Ghost’s breath catches. His growl reverberates through the clearing. “Put them down. Now.” The rival alpha smirks. “Surrender your territory, or watch them suffer.” Ghost’s voice drops to a lethal whisper. “Let them go, or I’ll make you regret this.” The alpha laughs—until Ghost charges. His pack follows, a storm of snarls and claws.

You’re tossed aside in the chaos, landing hard. Ghost is there in an instant, shielding you with his body. His hands cradle your face, his eyes softening as they meet yours. “I’ve got you, love,” he whispers, pressing a fierce kiss to your forehead.