---- Chapter 17 Alpha Michael's POV I emerged from the underground den, the cool night air brushing against my skin like the breath of a restless beast. My Gamma remained behind, overseeing the final preparations for our next move while I returned to the Alpha's quarters-my sanctuary, my war room. Everything was slowly aligning, but it wasn't enough. Not yet. The answers I sought were buried deeper than silver scars, and I needed to dig them out before they consumed me. Dragging a hand through my hair, I headed toward my private chambers, the scent of pine and moon-kissed air grounding my chaotic thoughts. ---- Becky. The name alone stirred something primal in my chest. A tether. A pull. The kind only a destined mate could create. When I entered the room, she was sitting quietly on the edge of the bed, her fingers toying with the fringe of the blanket, lost in thought. She glanced up, her gaze locking with mine, and I caught the flicker of heat rushing to her cheeks before she looked away. Even the smallest reaction from her stirred the wolf within me. She was awakening something dangerous. Something possessive. "You're awake," I said, moving closer, my boots silent on the stone floor. She nodded gently. "Couldn't sleep." I sat down beside her, close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her skin. ---- "T need to leave for a while, but I won't be long." She hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Alright." I studied her features-those soft curves and guarded eyes. "Will you be okay without me?" I asked, my voice lower than intended. She looked up again, and our eyes met. "Yes." But I knew better. Her scent told a different story-anxiety, fear, longing-all woven together beneath her calm. surface. Still, I didn't push her. "Take care," she whispered. I stood, resisting the urge to reach out and trace her jawline with my fingers. "We'll talk more when I return."