POV: Kendrick
The mind-link from border patrol came at midnight, jerking Kendrick from uneasy sleep.
Alpha. We have an intruder. Not Morgana's forces. One of ours. Trying to leave the territory with stolen documents.
Kendrick was moving before his eyes fully opened, Ashina stirring beside him.
"What is it?" she asked groggily.
"Potential spy. Stay here." He was already pulling on clothes, his wolf surging to the surface with predatory focus.
"Kendrick."
"Please." He stopped at the door, meeting her eyes. "I need to handle this. I need you safe."
Through the bond, he felt her reluctance, but also understanding. She nodded, though her hand moved to her stomach in that protective gesture he'd noticed more frequently.
He filed it away for later. Right now, he had a traitor to deal with.
