CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX: SANCTUARY

Brocks Point of View:

I weighed his words, the unease in my chest unwinding slightly. He had a point; the timing was a bit too convenient to be just coincidence.

“And what’s the price for this… ‘investment’ you’re talking about?” I asked. Behind Rylan’s nonchalance, there had to be a catch.

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes never leaving mine. “We both know Yadiel’s a common enemy, and right now, I need pack strength. I need… sanctuary.”

A murmur of shock rippled through wolves at my table. Offering sanctuary to a rogue wasn't unheard of, but it was an invitation riddled with risks.

Alpha Brock was now on his feet, his expression hard. “You want refuge in our territory?" Alpha Brock's voice was incredulous, like he'd been asked to babysit a porcupine.

Rylan didn't break stride. "I want more than refuge," he said. "I want to join your pack."

The room erupted into chaos. Chairs scraped against the floor, growls mingled with snarls, and my head began to throb with the beginnings of a