m rushing back in. I dragged her down the hallway, out of earshot from Katy

"My daughter is yo

me." My voice was tight. "You poisoned

ou. She needs to

across nearly every pack." I could hear her hea

w it," sh

-deadly, unstable, and far too easy to misuse. It could grow wild in some

ve left?" I demanded, snif

d away, j

k her life for this? I could have you exiled-or worse. I

ere going to be banished anyway...

instincts whispered the

r husband to bring her things tomorrow," I said flat

I understand what's goin

voice softer this time. "Can I speak to h

rything. You won't go near h

ed into her back pocket and pulled out a small container. It lo

my daughter,"

d, then turned away and

face. Mateo stood as I approached, mo

l. It shook me how her first thought was st

ou. I told her it was your choice. But after what s

replied. "She'd neve

ly want to t

s... but I want

k about that after she leaves. I'l

do you mean af

home, Kat. You'r

er breathing grew shallow, almost pa

she said, eyes brimmin

Nothing we'd done warranted that kind of reaction. And yet... she c

ing for Mateo to go. He nodded, stepping out. Shir

tly, brushing her fingers through Katya

minutes," I said firmly, the

came out sh

ething to help her re

othe her first. She's afraid of you, Alpha. Are

ey. That much I know," I said. "

hough his face re

o keep an eye on things. My attention shifted when I caught the scent of cigaret

," I gre

than I'd ever seen h

. Your wife's

ley... she wouldn't intentionally hurt

arm as he tu

ou should know. Befo

face me fully

t your daughter.

d in disbelief.

ut. Katya hasn't. And

y n

ns eighteen. If your wife

heard Katya sobbing

ly be a good thing

"What do

ng her mate... i

th what?" I

anything. Katya deserves someone who sees her, who gives her a ch

whistle behind me,

. I would never reject her

wly. "Good. Then I

into the room, shutting