Finally waking up I realized that I was on Max's bed tied up with my mouth covered again. Fucking asshole never playing fair. I tried to sit up but the chains wouldn't let me. The more I struggled the more the chains burned my arms. I heard the heavy, rapid footsteps approaching the door where I lay. Closing my eyes, I attempted to calm my racing heart, but fear overpowered me, and my wolf had not yet returned to help me out. The person fumbled with the keys, struggling to find the right one to unlock the door. When he finally succeeded, the door was yanked open abruptly. Startled, I opened my eyes, and there stood Willow's mate. His name escaped me at that moment. Regardless of his name, relief washed over me; I remembered Willow's words that they would aid in my escape, a hope I clung to. He removed the chains from my arms and legs, assisting me to stand. As I surveyed the room, I realized Anthony was absent. I inquired of Willow's mate about Anthony's whereabouts. He lowered his

As I stepped away from Marco, I noticed Zion growling as well. Approaching him, I reassured him that there was no threat and that he was my son. Zion gave Marco a lingering, squint-eyed glance before walking off. Observing their interaction, I could only mutter about the typical alpha behavior. Approaching Marco, my heart filled with joy, he began recounting the events of the past few years. He was about to introduce me to his mate when warriors burst into the pack house, alerting us to suspicious wolves nearing the border. They hadn't shown aggression, but vigilance was advised. I commended the warriors and instructed them to bolster our defenses along all border sections. Marco's eyes took on a distant look, signaling he was communicating with someone telepathically. As he returned to the present, his face paled, and a sense of dread washed over me. He approached and revealed that the Willow Pack had been attacked, leaving no survivors. His sorrow puzzled me. He motioned for me to