"Ali—"
"Pull over.Now."
Tim guided the massive truck into the rest area with movements that seemed more controlled than usual, like he was fighting his own body.The moment he set the parking brake, Ali could see the tremor in his hands.
"How long does this last?"she asked.
"Usually a few days."Tim's voice was strained."But with a mate present..."He turned to look at her, and Ali caught her breath at the intensity in his dark eyes.The gold flecks seemed to have expanded, swallowing the brown entirely."It could be weeks."
"Weeks?"Ali's voice came out higher than intended.
"I can handle it," Tim said.His aroused scent paired with her magic that bloomed outward in waves of golden heat."I've been controlling it for twenty years.I can—"
"Big Timber," a new voice cut across the CB—deep, with a slight accent that suggested Eastern European origins."This is Fenris.I'm running parallel to your convoy, and I have to say, I'm impressed by the little photographer you've picked up."
Tim went completely still."Fenris."
"Who's Fenris?"Ali asked, noting the dangerous edge that had crept into Tim's voice.
"Another alpha," Tim said, his hands clenching into fists."Territorial.Been trying to muscle in on supernatural trucking routes for years."
Fenris's voice continued over the radio: "She smells delicious from here, Big Timber.All that sweet magical energy.If you're too busy playing convoy leader to properly appreciate her, I'd be happy to show her what a real alpha can offer."
The growl that rumbled from Tim's chest was unlike anything Ali had ever heard—primal, possessive, and absolutely terrifying.His scent flooded the cab with territorial fury.The air around her hands shimmered with heat distortion.
"Stay away from her," Tim snarled into the radio.
"Or what?"Fenris's laughter carried an edge of challenge."You'll abandon your precious medical convoy to come teach me a lesson?We both know you won't risk those dying werewolf cubs for your personal territorial disputes."
Tim's control snapped with an almost audible crack.He was out of the truck and moving toward a black Freightliner that had pulled into the rest area before Ali could even process what was happening.
Through the windshield, she watched two massive males face off in the parking lot—Tim's barely contained fury squared against another cryptid who looked like he'd stepped out of a Norse saga.Fenris was nearly as tall as Tim but leaner, with silver-streaked hair and a predatory smile that suggested he enjoyed conflict.
"Gentlemen," Luna's voice crackled over the radio, "we don't have time for territorial pissing matches.There are law enforcement vehicles converging on our position."
But Tim was beyond reasoning.Ali could see the way his muscles bunched under his flannel, the way he moved with lethal intent.This wasn't just about convoy leadership anymore—this was about her, and every possessive instinct Tim had was screaming for blood.
Ali made a decision that was either brilliant or completely insane.She climbed out of the truck and walked directly between the two males.
"Enough," she said, her voice carrying more authority than she knew she possessed.
Both alphas stopped moving, their attention snapping to her with laser focus.Up close, Fenris was devastatingly handsome in a dangerous, sharp-edged way that probably made most women melt.But looking at him, Ali felt nothing but irritation.
Looking at Tim, with his protective fury and barely leashed violence, her thighs clenched involuntarily.This shouldn't be attractive—Tim’s barely controlled violence—but her body didn't care about shouldn't.
"Fenris," she said, not bothering to look at the other alpha, "I appreciate the offer, but I'm exactly where I want to be."
"Are you?"Fenris stepped closer, and his scent hit her.It smelled like cold mountain air and pine.While it was similar to Tim's, it lacked the warmth that made her magic purr."Because from where I'm standing, it looks like Big Timber's too busy playing hero to give you the attention you deserve."
"From where I'm standing," Ali replied, finally turning to meet his gaze, "it looks like you're trying to pick a fight you can't win."
Fenris's eyes narrowed."Careful, little witch.Just because you've claimed one alpha doesn't mean you understand pack dynamics."
"I understand enough to know that real alphas don't have to steal other males' mates to prove their worth," Ali shot back.
The insult hit home.Fenris's expression turned dangerous, and for a moment Ali thought she might have pushed too far.Tim vibrated with barely contained violence.He positioned himself between her and Fenris like a living shield.His growl made the windows rattle.Heat flooded Ali's body, pooling low and insistent.Her magic approved his display of protective dominance.
"She's mine," Tim growled, his voice dropping to frequencies that seemed to vibrate through the asphalt."Touch her, and I'll tear your throat out."
