Willa stands frozen as Winnifred's grip tightens on her hand, the alpha she-wolf's eyes darkening with the hunger that pack law forbids. The virgin omega's body already responds to the scent of pine and iron, betraying every promise she made to keep herself safe from rejection. Yet the rival's tribute demand still lingers like a shadow across the moonlit clearing.

Winnifred has lost too much to surrender what instinct claims as hers. One night of stolen claiming, the first knot driving deep, could shatter the pack or bind them both in ways neither can undo. Willa's crescent mark throbs under the silver light as the alpha steps closer, and the question of surrender hangs between them like a blade.