Page 27

"Stay behind me," he commanded, his stance widening as the door swung open.

Five people filed into the cabin, led by a tall, imposing man with dark hair and green eyes that missed nothing as they swept the room, cataloging details with military precision.

"Three dead Granite Ridge wolves and one very alive human." His voice was cool and neutral. "Interesting problem-solving approach, Kieran."

Maya analyzed the newcomers from behind Kieran's protective stance. The man who'd spoken had to be Damon—Kieran's Beta, whatever that meant in shifter hierarchy. Beside him stood a younger man with the same black hair and sharp features as Kieran—obviously Malcolm, the brother she'd met briefly before. The petite woman with startling violet eyes and the two wary-looking men bringing up the rear were unknown quantities.

"This is Dr. Maya Collins," Kieran said, his hand finding her back in a possessive gesture that should have bothered her but instead sent heat spiraling through her body. "Wildlife biologist. And my guest."

The collective intake of breath at this introduction wasn't lost on Maya. Even with her limited understanding of shifter society,she recognized that Kieran was breaking protocol by introducing her so directly.

"Father will be thrilled by this situation," Malcolm said dryly, stepping forward to place his hand briefly on Maya's arm with unexpected familiarity. "Good to see you again, although I'd hoped under better circumstances."

"Damon Gray," the imposing man said, extending his hand after a brief hesitation. "Kieran's Beta and best friend."

His grip was firm but controlled, as if he was carefully measuring his strength. Maya noted the way his eyes tracked between her and Kieran, assessment and calculation visible in their depths.

The violet-eyed woman stepped forward. "Lena Nightshade. Healer for those who need it." Something in her gaze lingered on Maya with uncomfortable intensity. "Fascinating to meet you."

The other two men introduced themselves as Jake and Elias, rebel sympathizers according to Malcolm's quick explanation, though Maya noted they kept their distance from her, their discomfort evident.

"So, this is the human who's caused all the fuss," Damon said, circling the room to examine the bodies. "The one you were dispatched to eliminate."

Maya tensed, but Kieran's hand pressed reassuringly against her back.

"Circumstances have changed," Kieran replied, his tone brooking no argument. His voice carried the weight of command that made everyone in the room stand a little straighter.

"Clearly," Damon murmured, exchanging a loaded glance with Lena.

"These Granite Ridge wolves attacked without provocation," Kieran lied, his thumb tracing small circles on Maya's back. He cleared his throat before telling them at least one true statement. "They came for Maya."

Lena's violet eyes widened. "For the human specifically? That's interesting."

"Do they know something we don't?" one of the rebel sympathizers—Jake—pondered.

Maya felt the weight of their collective scrutiny. Something flashed in Lena's eyes—recognition, perhaps?—before the petite woman masked it.

"Knowledge is the new currency," Malcolm said, leaning against the wall with casual grace that didn't match the tension in the room. "And our guest here has plenty of it about us now."

Kieran's jaw tightened. "She stays under my protection."

The air in the cabin seemed to thicken with unspoken implications. Maya's scientific mind raced to catalog the complex dynamics unfolding around her. These weren't just people—they were predators with human faces, and she was witnessing pack politics in real-time.

"The rebellion will want to meet her," Lena said softly, her violet eyes never leaving Maya's face.

"The rebellion can wait," Kieran countered, his voice carrying unmistakable authority that seemed to reverberate through the small cabin. "First, we deal with our dead guests and secure this location."

Maya tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, feeling the weight of everyone's stares. She tugged at Kieran's borrowed black t-shirt where she'd tucked it into her hiking pants, acutely aware of how it swallowed her frame despite her athletic build.

The reactions around the room ranged from Malcolm's open curiosity to Damon's guarded assessment. The rebel sympathizers—Jake and Elias—kept a deliberate distance, their discomfort at her human presence palpable.

"I'll help," Maya offered, stepping forward. Six pairs of eyes widened simultaneously.

"You don't have to—" Kieran began.

"I do." Maya reached for the shovel Damon had brought in. "I'm not some delicate flower. I've done field autopsies on wolves before." She paused. "Just not ones that were people a few days ago."

Malcolm's unexpected bark of laughter broke the tension. "I like her."