35.

Roberto felt the cold wind bite his fur as he stood on the boulder, surveying the border patrol. His amber eyes scanned the faces of the wolves below him, looking for signs of fatigue, fear or doubt. He knew they were all weary of this duty, this endless vigil that kept them away from their families and their normal lives. He felt it too, the ache in his bones, the longing in his heart, the frustration in his mind.

But he also felt something else, something that drove him to keep going, to keep leading, to keep fighting. To prove his worth.

He clenched his jaws, feeling the scars on his muzzle throb with old pain. He had fought many battles in his life, but none like this. The humiliation cut deep into his heart.

With or without Vitale's protection, he would get his revenge on Natalia.

Roberto cleared his throat and raised his voice, hoping to declare his position within the pack. “Listen up, all of you!” he barked.

“I know you’re tired. I know you’re scared. I know you’re angry. But