CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The scent of wet pine and earth welcomes us back to the village, a familiar embrace after weeks away. I take in a deep breath, letting the cool air fill my lungs, tinged with the musk of wolf. My boots sink slightly into the soft ground as we cross the threshold into Pine pack territory, our group weary but victorious from the time spent aiding the River Run pack.
Mark is there, standing tall and imposing among the throng, his black hair a sharp contrast against the silver threads of his Alpha status. The moment our eyes meet, brown to green, the rest of the world seems to blur into insignificance. He strides towards me, the authority in his steps causing the others to part for him as if he wields an invisible force.
"Welcome back, Isla," Mark says, voice resonant w
