The next day, Rosalie couldn’t shake the eerie encounter in the forest. Though the whispering voice had left her unsettled, she decided against telling her parents just yet. She didn’t want them to worry—or worse, lecture her about sneaking out again.
Instead, she focused on her usual routine, practicing combat with the other young wolves in the training yard. Her skills were sharp, but her hybrid abilities made her faster, stronger, and more unpredictable than most. Even the seasoned warriors struggled to keep up.
“Show-off,” one of the younger wolves teased as Rosalie easily dodged an attack and pinned her opponent to the ground.
She grinned, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. “You’re just mad because I’m better than you.”
Before the wolf could reply, the sound of approaching footsteps caught everyone’s attention. Rosalie glanced up to see Kael walking toward the training grounds, accompanied by another figure she didn’t recognize.
The stranger was tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair that fell just past his ears. He moved with the confidence of someone who knew his place in the world, and his piercing green eyes scanned the group with curiosity.
Kael’s voice boomed over the yard. “Everyone, meet Alec, Alpha of the Shadow Ridge Pack. He’s visiting Crescent Howl to discuss alliances.”
Rosalie froze. Alec. The name sounded familiar—she’d heard Kael mention the Shadow Ridge Pack before, but she’d never paid much attention.
Alec’s gaze landed on her, and for a moment, she felt rooted to the spot. There was something about his presence that was both unsettling and… intriguing.
“Training hard, I see,” Alec said, his voice smooth and deep. He smiled at her, and Rosalie felt her cheeks heat.
Kael cleared his throat, drawing Alec’s attention back to him. “Alec, this is my daughter, Rosalie. She’s—”
“Extraordinary,” Alec interrupted, his green eyes locking with Rosalie’s. “I’ve heard stories about you.”
Rosalie blinked, caught off guard. “Stories?”
Alec nodded, stepping closer. “About your strength, your speed… and your unique nature.”
Kael growled low in his throat, stepping between them. “Rosalie’s still a pup.”
Rosalie glared at her father. “Dad, I’m sixteen. Stop calling me a pup.”
Kael ignored her, his focus on Alec. “You’re here to talk alliances, not flirt with my daughter.”
Alec smirked, his confidence unwavering. “With all due respect, Alpha, I’m perfectly capable of doing both.”
The tension in the air was thick. Rosalie glanced between the two men, unsure whether to be annoyed, amused, or flattered.
“Dad,” she said, placing a hand on his arm. “It’s fine. He’s just talking.”
Kael’s eyes softened as he looked at her, but his protective instincts were still evident. “We’ll talk later,” he muttered to Alec before turning and walking away.
Bella had been watching the entire interaction from the edge of the training yard. She approached Kael as he stormed off, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
“You look ready to rip his head off,” Bella said, leaning against him.
Kael growled again, his frustration evident. “Did you hear the way he was talking to her?”
Bella laughed softly. “She’s sixteen, Kael. Boys are going to notice her. And to be fair, Alec seems… harmless.”
Kael shot her a glare. “Harmless? He’s an Alpha. He’s confident, cocky, and far too charming for his own good. That’s a dangerous combination.”
Bella rolled her eyes. “You’re acting like she’s still a baby. She can handle herself.”
Kael sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I just… I don’t want anyone hurting her, Bella. She’s been through enough.”
“I know,” Bella said gently. “But she’s growing up, Kael. You can’t protect her from everything.”
Kael didn’t respond, his eyes fixed on where Rosalie and Alec were still talking in the training yard.
Meanwhile, Rosalie tried to maintain her composure as Alec continued to charm her.
“So,” Alec said, his tone casual, “what’s it like being the future of Crescent Howl?”
Rosalie raised an eyebrow. “Future? I’m not exactly running the pack yet.”
“No, but you will one day,” Alec said confidently. “And judging by what I’ve seen, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
Rosalie felt a mix of pride and suspicion. “Why are you so interested in me?”
Alec chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. “Isn’t it obvious? You’re fascinating. Strong, fearless… and from what I’ve heard, full of surprises.”
Rosalie narrowed her eyes. “You don’t even know me.”
“Not yet,” Alec admitted, his green eyes sparkling. “But I’d like to.”
Rosalie opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Kael’s voice boomed from across the yard.
“Alec, we need to talk. Now.”
Alec glanced at Kael, then back at Rosalie. “Duty calls,” he said with a grin. “But don’t worry, Rosalie. This isn’t the last you’ll see of me.”
He turned and walked toward Kael, leaving Rosalie standing in the middle of the yard, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions.
As Alec approached Kael, Bella nudged her mate playfully. “Don’t scare him off too much,” she said, her eyes twinkling.
Kael growled softly. “No promises.”
Bella shook her head, watching as Alec greeted Kael with a respectful nod. “He’s trouble,” Kael muttered under his breath.
Bella smiled. “Maybe. But Rosalie can handle him. Trust her.”
Kael didn’t respond, his jaw tightening as he watched Alec.