Prologue:

The air crackled with tension as the moon cast its silver glow over the dense forest surrounding the summit grounds. The gathering of alphas was meant to broker peace between their packs, but for Cassian Stormclaw and Adrian Blackthorn, peace was a laughable concept.

Cassian stood tall, his broad shoulders relaxed but alert, his piercing eyes scanning the room. He could feel the weight of the other alphas' gazes on him, their admiration mixed with caution. Being the leader of one of the most feared packs in the northern territories had its perks, but it also meant dealing with rivals who would love nothing more than to see him fall. Especially Adrian.

Speak of the devil.

"Late as usual, Blackthorn," Cassian muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as Adrian strode into the room. The other alpha's confidence was palpable, his movements smooth and deliberate as if he owned the very ground beneath his feet. The scent of cedar and musk clung to him, invading Cassian's senses, making his wolf stir with an unsettling mixture of desire and aggression.

Adrian's smirk was infuriating. "Miss me, Stormclaw? You always seem a little tense when I'm around. Wonder why that is." His voice was a low, teasing drawl that sent a jolt through Cassian's chest-though he'd never admit it.

"Maybe it's because you never know when to shut up," Cassian shot back, folding his arms across his chest, trying to ignore the way Adrian's presence seemed to command the entire room without effort.

The two alphas stood inches apart, their rivalry radiating in waves, drawing curious glances from those around them. But this wasn't new. They'd been circling each other like this for years, locked in a battle of dominance and unspoken lust, neither willing to give an inch.

"You should watch that attitude of yours, Stormclaw," Adrian whispered, his breath warm against Cassian's ear, too close, too intimate. "It might get you in trouble one day. Or worse..." His smirk deepened, eyes glinting. "It might get you right where you want to be."

Cassian's jaw clenched, the heat rising in his chest as their eyes locked, the challenge clear. "Don't flatter yourself. We're here for the summit, not for your little games. So stay out of my way."

Adrian chuckled, stepping back but keeping his gaze locked on Cassian, as if daring him to deny the electricity that sparked between them. "Sure, Stormclaw. I'll stay out of your way... if you can manage to keep out of mine."

Cassian hated how those words sent a thrill through him, hated the way his wolf pushed forward, aching for more of Adrian's taunts, more of the fight, more of... him.

The summit was supposed to be about keeping their packs safe. But something told Cassian that his biggest battle wouldn't be against an enemy pack-it would be resisting the pull of the one alpha he should despise most.

But some lines were meant to be crossed. And Cassian had a feeling Adrian was going to drag him across that line before the summit was over.

If only it didn't feel so damn inevitable.