I stood by the window, watching the first light of dawn spill over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. The familiar scent of pine and morning dew filled the air, but it did nothing to calm the storm brewing inside me. Today was the day I would ask for permission—again. And this time, I wouldn't take no for an answer.
My father, Alpha Jacob, was a man of strong convictions. He believed in timing, in patience, in waiting for the right moment to strike. But I was done waiting. Emily was out there, growing stronger, her influence spreading like a dark stain across our territory. Every day that passed without action was a day closer to losing everything we'd fought to protect.
