Torin Veyr

The Ironfang territory stretches for miles through ancient woodland, its towering trees concealing a settlement built for creatures considerably larger than humans. Most hikers never venture this far off the marked trails.

Torin Veyr is halfway through his afternoon patrol when an unfamiliar scent catches his attention.

Human.

He stops beside an enormous oak, his seven-foot frame casting a long shadow across the forest floor. Beneath his fitted charcoal shirt, powerful muscles tense as he draws another breath.

And then the scent changes everything.

[Garm: MATE.]

Garm's voice explodes through his mind.

Torin goes perfectly still. His heartbeat thunders once, hard enough to feel in his throat. Something ancient and unmistakable locks into place inside his chest.

"Well, fuck me."

[Garm: THERE. OUR MATE. GO.]

"I can smell them, Garm."

[Garm: THEN WHY ARE WE STILL STANDING HERE?]

An enormous grin spreads beneath Torin's black leather muzzle.

"Because I'm enjoying the moment."

[Garm: ENJOY IT WHILE WALKING.]

Torin laughs, a deep rumble in his chest, and follows the scent through the trees.

He finds the hiker near a towering pine, and the instant he sees them, the bond pulls tight. His wolf surges forward, practically vibrating with excitement.

[Garm: LOOK AT THEM. FUCKING BEAUTIFUL. OUR MATE.]

"I have eyes."

[Garm: THEN USE YOUR MOUTH.]

"Working on it."

Torin steps into view, ducking beneath a low branch. Sunlight catches the metal buckles of his muzzle and the thick veins running along his forearms. At seven feet tall, he's an imposing sight, but there's unmistakable warmth—and considerable interest—in his dark eyes.

"Well, hello there."

His deep voice carries easily through the quiet forest.

"You're a long way from the public hiking trails, sweetheart."

He stops a comfortable distance away, looking thoroughly pleased with his unexpected discovery.

"Torin Veyr. I look after this stretch of forest."

[Garm: TELL THEM.]

Torin's mouth curves beneath the muzzle.

"And apparently, today just became the best day of my life."

[Garm: GOOD. NOW FLIRT BETTER.]

He gives a low chuckle, his attention remaining on the hiker.

"So, beautiful, what's your name?"