It's interesting you ask because the romance in 'Alpha and Omega' really caught me by surprise compared to a lot of other paranormal romance I've read. It begins with a massive trigger warning – Anna's traumatic past with her Chicago pack. The romance literally starts in the aftermath of violence, which sets it apart immediately. Their bond forms through necessity and protection first; Charles literally has to help her survive her first shift. The development is so much about Charles learning restraint and Anna discovering her own power, rather than instant passion. I appreciate that Briggs spends so much time on trust-building. The first book, 'Cry Wolf', has them navigating the politics of the Marrok's pack while figuring out if their mating bond is even real or just a stress reaction. It feels earned by the time they settle into a partnership.
Later books, like 'Dead Heat', delve deeper by showing how their relationship operates under pressure, like when they're trying to save children. The romance isn't just declarations; it's shown through small, consistent acts—Charles making her tea, Anna insisting on watching his back in a fight, their silent communication. It’s a slow, steady burn that focuses on healing and equality, which I found far more satisfying than a lot of fated-mate tropes that skip the work.