nnette. We both know you love me too much to actually go through with it." He chuckled, a low, dismissive sound. "Go ahead. File. See how far tha

f concern. "Annette, darling, I'm so sorry about Greyson. He's just so... honorable. He feels such a deep loyalty to Emil, you know, after his father's s

you need anything. A shoulder to cry on, or maybe... help finding a new Alpha. You deserve

ender, drifted back from the parking l

e." She giggled, a girlish sound that made my stomach churn. "Coming, my

get my attention, you know," Greyson's voice, laced with contempt. "She won't actually le

egging him to come back? He had no idea. He had no clue what he had truly broken, what he had set free. The desperate

oyalties. But no more. I would shield him. I would build a wall around us so strong, so

is infectious giggle was replaced by quiet sighs, his bright eyes dimme

back into his life, to show him he was loved, cherished, important. We invited a few of his little

ed presents. For a few precious hours, the shadow of Greyson lifted, a

a 'happy birthday' compilation from family and friends. The screen flickere

rthday, Emil, my little champ! Remember that race you won at the community center? You were so brave!

eyes, sympathetic and bewildered, turned to Karter. His small face, w

r. "Oh, Annette! I am so, so sorry! It must be a mix-up! Greyson recorded that for Emil, his little hero. It was meant to be a private mes

so much time with him. A real father figure." She held up the phone, forcing everyone to watch Greyson, laughing, playfull

nomous. "Someone who can appreciate you. Greyson needs a strong family to support his heroic

Kennedy, and Emil, smiling, bathed in golden sunlight. It was

hot and consuming. I instinctively pulled Karter into my arms, pressing his head aga

al fury. "Get out of my house, Kennedy! Get your pathet

d into a sneer. "Fine! You'll regret this

old and steady. "Because Greyson and I

complished, I pulled out my phone. My fingers flew acros

nette. Do you still have that job opening in Seattle? I'