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Min-seo began to chant, her voice rising and falling in patterns that seemed to resonate in the air itself. She sprinkled herbs around Kai, then used a small brush to paint symbols on his fur with what smelled like a mixture of oil and something metallic.

Marcus watched, fascinated despite his skepticism. Min-seo moved with the confidence of someone who had performed such rituals many times before, though he suspected never quite like this one.

“Is this working?” he murmured to Caleb.

“No idea,” Caleb whispered back. “But Kai looks like he’s contemplating how to murder us all in our sleep, so his spirit seems intact.”

It was true. Kai’s expression, even in wolf form, conveyed a level of exasperated suffering that was quintessentially him. His ears were flattened against his head, and he kept shooting glances at Luke, who was failing spectacularly at hiding his amusement.

“I miss his voice,” Marcus admitted quietly. “A week without his sarcastic commentary feels… wrong.”

“Tell me about it,” Caleb agreed. “Derek’s been extra grumpy without Kai around to call him on his brooding. I caught him talking to Kai’s hoodie yesterday, just to remember what it was like to be insulted by someone half his size.”

Border secured,Derek’s energy pulsed through their pack bond.Knox Pack retreated to their main compound. Any news on Kai?

Min-seo performing some kind of ritual,Marcus sent back, letting his brother feel his mix of concern and curiosity.Also, Knox finally accepted the challenge. Full moon, three nights from now.

Derek’s satisfaction rumbled through their connection.About damn time. Will be home in an hour. Save some ritual for me.

The pack bond hummed with Caleb’s presence as he joined their silent conversation.Please tell me the Blackwoods aren’t coming.

The challenge is formal,Marcus reminded them both.Any pack with standing can observe.

Fantastic,Caleb’s internal tone dripped with sarcasm.Just what we need—those three circling while we’re focused on the Knox. And what about Kai? We can’t leave him here.

Their shared concern for their mate flowed through the bond, mixing with Derek’s protective fury and Caleb’s anxiety. Marcus could feel Derek’s wolf pacing through their connection, still agitated from the border patrol.

We’ll have to bring him,Marcus stated, watching as Min-seo drew another symbol on Kai’s forehead.The mate bond is too new to stretch that far during formal combat. And I don’t trust anyone else to protect him.

A tiny quarter-wolf at a pack duel.Derek’s internal voice was grim.Every alpha within a hundred miles will be watching.

Especially with those First Pack markings,Caleb added.He practically glows in wolf form.

Marcus sent a wave of calm through their bond, though his own wolf bristled at the thought of other alphas eyeing their mate.We’ll surround him. Johnson’s team on the perimeter, our wolves forming the inner circle.

The Blackwoods will want to attend,Derek’s energy crackled with barely contained aggression.

If they try anything,Marcus’ thought was steel-edged,they’ll find themselves explaining to the council why they interfered with a formal challenge.

They’re not the only ones interested in our little mate,Caleb reminded them, his usual playfulness replaced by sharp focus.I’ve picked up at least three different pack scents around our borders this week.

Their wolves surged as one at the thought of rivals circling their territory. Through their bond, Marcus could feel Derek’s tactical mind already planning defensive formations while Caleb’s more subtle approach considered political angles.

We’ll manage,Marcus thought firmly, letting his absolute certainty flow through their connection.We always do.

The bond hummed with their shared determination. No one would touch their mate. Not the Knox Pack, not the Blackwoods, not any of the other packs drawn by rumors of First Pack blood.

The ritual continued for another twenty minutes, Min-seo’s chanting growing more intense before finally tapering off into silence. She sat back on her heels, looking both satisfied and slightly disappointed.

“The blessing is complete,” Min-seo announced, her expression both satisfied and slightly disappointed. “I have called to the sleeping blood within him.”

“And will this help him shift back?” Marcus asked carefully.

Min-seo’s expression turned enigmatic. “What has been awakened cannot easily return to slumber. What happens next depends on Kai.”

Which was exactly the kind of nonanswer Marcus had come to expect from supernatural consultations.

The gathering dispersed, Jorge already discussing dinner preparations with Maria, while Luke helped Min-seo collect her ritual implements. Marcus approached the altar, where Kai sat looking thoroughly unimpressed with the entire proceedings.