"We're walking into a damn lion's den, Ari!" Kaelen's voice cut through the crisp morning air, sharp and tense, as he slung a pack over his shoulder. He stood outside the cabin, his boots crunching on the frost-covered ground, his breath puffing out in angry clouds.
Ariana zipped up her jacket, her eyes narrowing at him. "It's a werewolf clan, not lions, and we don't have a choice. Lucian's got numbers—we need backup. You really think we can take him down with just the two of us?"
He spun to face her, his jaw tight. "I don't like it. These clans haven't given a damn about me since the curse hit. Why the hell would they help now?"
She stepped closer, her voice steady but edged with frustration. "Because you're back, Kaelen. You're the Alpha again—strong, whole. They'll see that. And I'll make them see it too."
He snorted, kicking at a rock. "Yeah, 'cause you're so good at sweet-talking people. Last time you tried, we nearly got eaten."
