Kaelen's POV
The training grounds stretched far enough from the main house that silence ruled this corner of our territory. This clearing had earned its reputation as the unofficial shifting zone over the years. Distance meant broken bones and torn flesh wouldn't wake anyone still trying to catch some sleep.
Sleep had abandoned me hours ago anyway.
Morning dew soaked the grass beneath my boots as I reached the center of the clearing. Each step squelched softly in the dampness. Dawn was creeping in at the horizon, painting everything in that strange pre-sunrise gray that made the world look like a faded photograph.
This was necessary. I had to release my wolf before the day started and everything turned to complete hell.
My hands moved to my shirt buttons. One by one, I worked them free, then let the fabric slide off my shoulders. The morning chill bit into my bare chest immediately. My skin prickled with goosebumps.
An engine roared to life in the distance.
