Even in wolf form, he was unmistakable. Larger than most, his coat black as night, moving with the kind of fluid grace that came from absolute confidence. He knew he was dominant. Knew he had the numbers. Knew we wouldn't stand against him in open battle.
He shifted as he entered the clearing, bones restructuring, fur receding, until he stood in human form at the head of his pack. He looked at Rivik. Then at me.
Then at Ellie.
And smiled.
My bear growled inside me, demanding blood, demanding I tear that smile from his face. I felt my hands start to shift, claws pushing through fingertips, but I forced them back down.
Not yet. Not yet.
Karik took a step forward, arms loose at his sides, posture relaxed. Like this was a friendly visit. Like he hadn't just brought an army to our doorstep.
"Rivik," he said, his voice carrying easily across the clearing. Warm, almost amused. "Good to see you."
Rivik didn't acknowledge the false pleasantry but just stood there, waiting.
Karik's smile widened. "I've come to collect what was promised."
The words hung in the air like a threat. Around me, I felt the pack tense, growls building in dozens of throats.
"You know why I'm here," Karik continued, his eyes drifting back to Ellie. "The human female. You agreed she would be mine when I returned."
Ellie fear flickered down the bond, and a low growl began in my chest. Karik glanced over at me.
"I have come prepared," Karik said, gesturing to the wolves behind him. "Prepared to take her by right. Prepared tonegotiate if you prefer. But make no mistake, I will not leave without her."
For a moment, I thought maybe he'd see reason. Maybe the sight of our assembled pack, our defensive formation, would make him reconsider. Maybe he'd offer some political compromise, some way to back down without losing face.
Then his eyes locked on Ellie again, and I saw the hunger there. The possessiveness. The absolute certainty that she belonged to him.
And I knew there would be no compromise.
Rivik finally spoke. "Circumstances have changed."
Irritation crossed Karik’s face. "Changed how?"
"The female you claim is now mated. Claimed." Rivik said.
Silence. Absolute, suffocating silence.
“What?”
"She has been mated."
The reaction was instant. Shock rippled through Karik's wolves, murmurs and growls, heads turning to look at each other in confusion. Some of them looked at Ellie, then at me, trying to understand.
Karik's face went perfectly still. Then his eyes narrowed, cold fury replacing the false warmth. "Mated," he repeated flatly.
"Yes."
"To whom?"
I stepped forward before I could think about it, moving to stand fully in front of Ellie, my body blocking her from Karik's line of sight.
Mine. She's mine. Try to take her.
"To me," I said clearly, my voice carrying across the space between us.
