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Caleb's POV
The scent of wildflowers lingered in Caleb's senses as he prowled the forest, his wolf pacing just beneath the surface. Sleep had been impossible, his thoughts tangled with questions about the woman now occupying the cabin on the edge of his territory.
It wasn't just her scent—it was her presence. Something about her felt… magnetic, as if the air itself bent around her. That kind of pull wasn't normal. Not for humans.
"She's trouble," Owen said, stepping into Caleb's path.
Caleb paused, his Beta's sharp blue eyes locking on his. Owen stood with his usual calm authority, arms crossed over his chest, though his tone carried a hint of concern.
"She's an outsider," Owen continued. "And she's already drawing attention."
"She doesn't know anything," Caleb replied.
"Not yet." Owen gestured toward the distant treeline where Victor Kane's territory began. "But we both know how fast that can change. She's vulnerable, and Victor will use that."
Caleb's jaw tightened. He didn't need the reminder. Victor was always watching, waiting for a weakness to exploit. Bringing an outsider into their world would only paint a target on her back—and on the pack.
"We'll keep an eye on her," Caleb said.
Owen raised an eyebrow. "You mean you'll keep an eye on her."
"Careful, Owen," Caleb growled. "That's still my decision to make."
Owen held his hands up in mock surrender, though his gaze didn't soften. "I'm just saying, don't let this… connection cloud your judgment. We can't afford mistakes."
Caleb didn't respond. He didn't have to. Owen was right, and they both knew it.
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Elena's POV
The clinic was small but charming, with whitewashed walls and rows of neatly organized shelves stocked with supplies. It reminded Elena of the practice where she'd trained years ago, back when life felt simpler.
"Morning!" Dr. Peter Langston called from the back room. The older man's friendly face appeared moments later, his wire-rimmed glasses slipping down his nose.
"Morning," Elena said, forcing a smile.
"Glad to have you here," Langston said, handing her a clipboard. "We've got a few appointments today, nothing too crazy. Should be a nice, easy start for you."
Elena nodded, though her mind was still on the flower she'd found on her porch. She hadn't told anyone about it—not Langston, and certainly not the sheriff. What would she even say? That someone left her a flower and she felt like it meant something more?
Pushing the thought aside, she focused on the work ahead. The hours passed quickly as she settled into her new role, meeting locals and their pets. The people were kind, if a little curious about her. She caught more than one pair of eyes lingering on her a little too long, as though sizing her up.
By the end of the day, her nerves had begun to settle. Maybe she'd overreacted about the wolf and the flower. Maybe Blackwood Hollow wasn't so strange after all.
That hope shattered the moment she stepped outside.
The sun had already dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the parking lot. As Elena locked the clinic door, a chill swept over her. She glanced toward the edge of the forest and froze.
There, half-hidden in the trees, stood a man.
He was tall, with broad shoulders and dark hair that caught the faint glow of the moonlight. His amber eyes—those same piercing eyes she'd seen in the wolf—watched her with an intensity that made her breath catch.
"Can I help you?" she called, her voice steadier than she felt.
The man didn't move, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he turned and disappeared into the woods, as silent as a shadow.
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Caleb's POV
Caleb cursed himself as he moved deeper into the forest. He hadn't meant to let her see him, but something about her presence drew him closer. Seeing her in the flesh—so small, yet so defiant—stirred emotions he couldn't afford to feel.
"Still playing protector, I see," Lila's voice cut through the darkness.
He turned to find her perched on a fallen log, her smirk visible even in the dim light.
"You're following me now?" Caleb asked, his tone sharp.
"Just making sure you're not doing something stupid," Lila replied, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Like stalking a human."
Caleb growled low in his throat, but Lila only laughed.
"Relax," she said. "I get it. She's... different. But you can't protect her forever, Caleb. Especially not from what's coming."
"I don't need your advice," Caleb snapped.
"Fine," Lila said, standing and dusting off her jeans. "But don't say I didn't warn you when Victor comes knocking. He's not going to let this go, and neither will the pack."
She vanished into the shadows, leaving Caleb alone with the weight of her words.
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Elena's POV
Back at her cabin, Elena paced the small living room, her mind racing. Who was that man? And why did he feel so familiar?
She moved to the window, peering out into the dark woods. For the second time that day, she felt the weight of unseen eyes watching her. But this time, she didn't feel fear.
She felt a pull.
And it terrified her even more.