Aiden Silver POV
I pushed Lily behind me as the rogue dogs burst from the trees. Three of them, snarling and wild-eyed, blocked our way along the eastern border.
"Stay back," I directed, stepping forward to face the danger.
This was supposed to be a simple tour of pack lands, not a fight. I'd planned to show Lily the boundaries, introduce her to nearby pack representatives, teach her about Silver Peak politics. Now I had to protect her.
The biggest rogue lunged first. I shifted instantly, my wolf form meeting him mid-air. We crashed together, teeth snapping. I was stronger, but he fought dirty, scratching at my eyes.
A second rogue circled toward Lily. I tried to break free to help her, but the boss held me down. To my shock, Lily didn't run. She shifted easily into her wolf form - smaller than mine but quick. She dodged the rogue's attack with surprising skill.
