Chapter 6

JACE

The Montana mountains were bathed in predawn light as I made my way through the dense forest. These early morning patrols had become a ritual—a moment of solitude before the weight of leadership pressed down on my shoulders again.

"Alpha, the northern border is clear," Hunter reported through our mind link just before I left the compound.

I'll check the eastern boundary myself. Keep the regular patrols running, I responded, my thoughts traveling the invisible connection between us.

As Moon Shadow Pack's Alpha, I could have delegated this task to any of my warriors, but there was something grounding about feeling the earth beneath my feet, about personally ensuring my territory—my people—remained safe. Two hundred werewolves depended on me to keep them protected, and this duty I took with utmost seriousness.

The cool mountain air filled my lungs as I moved silently between ancient pines. Phantom, my wolf spirit, was alert but calm as we traveled deeper into the wilderness. Unlike other werewolves, whose wolves were essentially extensions of themselves, my connection with Phantom was different. He was massive—a silver-backed black wolf twice the size of any other in our Pack. The ancient Primal Wolf bloodline that ran through my veins was both blessing and burden.

Eastern ridge first, then the southern valley, I planned, mapping our route through the familiar territory.

Halfway to the ridge, Phantom suddenly tensed. I froze mid-stride, my senses instantly heightened.

Someone approaches the boundary, Phantom growled in my mind, his awareness expanding beyond my own.

I turned toward the southern border road, the most likely entry point. Gabriel and his family—could they have arrived already? I reached out to Hunter through our link.

Possible visitors at the southern entrance. Might be Gabriel's family. Keep patrols alert but non-threatening.

As I moved toward the border road, a scent caught my attention. Subtle at first, then increasingly clear—wild forest strawberries mingled with the freshness of air after rain. The fragrance was intoxicating, unlike anything I'd encountered before. My pace quickened unconsciously.

Through the trees, I caught sight of an SUV moving slowly along the access road. It approached with appropriate caution, headlights cutting through the remaining darkness.

As the vehicle drew nearer, the window lowered slightly—and the scent intensified, nearly knocking me backward. My eyes locked on the passenger inside.

A young woman sat in the back seat, her emerald eyes scanning the forest cautiously. The moment I saw her, everything changed. Phantom surged within me, a primal recognition that rocked me to my core.

I took an instinctive step backward. This couldn't be happening. Not now.

She is OURS, Phantom roared inside my head, the force of his certainty slamming into me like a physical blow. Our true mate.

I resisted the pull, fighting against the instinct that demanded I claim her immediately. She was human. And young. And clearly part of Gabriel's family—the very people I'd sworn to protect.

We need to leave. NOW, I commanded Phantom, who fought against my control with unusual vigor.

Can't you feel it? Phantom demanded. The connection between us. She's meant to be ours.

My heart hammered against my ribs. Five years had passed since Vanessa had walked out, leaving me to raise Aurora alone. Five years of focusing solely on my Pack and my daughter. I wasn't prepared for this—for HER.

She needs protection. Not confusion, I reasoned with Phantom, who reluctantly yielded, though I could feel his dissatisfaction rippling through our bond. She's coming to us for safety, not to be claimed by an Alpha she's never met.

I pushed aside the turmoil and contacted Hunter again.

They're here. Meet them at the southern entrance. I'll be there shortly, I instructed, moving into position where I could observe without revealing Phantom's agitation.

The SUV came to a stop at our territory marker. Gabriel emerged first, his posture alert but respectful. Lucas followed, scanning the tree line with practiced vigilance.

I stepped onto the road with two of my warriors flanking me, maintaining the dignified bearing expected of an Alpha. The weight of authority settled over me, masking the chaos beneath.

Hunter moved forward first, clasping forearms with Gabriel in the traditional wolf greeting. "Old friend," he said warmly. "It's been too long."

Gabriel's relief was evident as he returned the gesture, then turned toward me with a respectful nod. "Alpha Carter. Thank you for allowing us into your territory."

"Gabriel Silverbrook," I acknowledged, my voice steady despite Phantom's restlessness. "Moon Shadow Pack welcomes you." I gestured toward the waiting SUV. "These are your family members?"

"Yes," Gabriel confirmed. "My son Lucas and my daughter Aria."

The name sent a jolt through me. Aria. Phantom practically purred the name in my head.

"We've prepared accommodations for you," I said. "For now, I'd like to invite you to the Pack house for the formal welcoming ceremony. It's tradition for new arrivals."

Gabriel nodded gratefully. "We appreciate your hospitality, Alpha. It means more than you know."

"Hunter will escort you," I said, needing distance to collect myself. "I'll meet you at the Pack house."

Once they were out of sight, I retreated into the forest, stripping off my clothes and letting the transformation take me. Bones cracked and reformed, muscles stretched, fur erupted across my skin as Phantom took physical form—massive and powerful, moving with impossible speed through the trees.

As I raced toward the Pack house, my thoughts were a storm. My true mate had arrived—a human girl seeking sanctuary. Aurora needed a mother figure. The Pack needed a Luna. But Aria needed safety and time.