Chapter 11

The car ride is short as we cross the boundary line between ForgedHearts and DoubleEdge packs. Instantly I feel the strange tingle, like an electric pulse, that warns me of passing onto another Alpha's territory. It makes me wonder why I didn't feel anything the first time I crossed, before I was chased away by the frightening Beta of the pack.

My nervousness grows as we draw closer to the Alpha's estate, which sits on a hill that rises in the middle of his territory. I can see the large mansion from a distance, and it is cold, harsh, and seems to be aching for love. The impression it gives me is one of loneliness. This place hasn't seen kindness or attention for a long time, and I frown at what my senses are telling me. This is just a mansion, an inanimate object, so why is it reaching out to me? It is afraid, and I too become afraid of it.

The structure's details come into focus as we drive up the long driveway. The walls are made of grey stone, shaded gargoyles peer down from each