fists at her sides. "I

noon light streaming through the window, his gray eyes looked almos

u attacked Luna! You hurt her so b

en them. Her hackles rose, and her lips

ng flickered across his face. Not fear, regre

ppened that day," he said

before she could stop them. "I saw you st

nored her. "Three years ago, in the north forest, you found your wolf wounded. You saw me nearby. You assumed

the worst day of her life, finding Luna bleeding in the leaves,

rst. They were trying to kill her because companions are valuable, worth a fortune on the black market. I heard her crying and came running. I fought them

t Lily's vo

his thumb to his wrist. "One of them bit me here. I needed twelv

deep, vicious, the kind of wou

ng this up,"

ain why I never reported you for attacking me, even though you left me bleeding in the forest. Explain why I convinced my fathe

details from that awful day. Had there been other wolves? She'd been so

ll me the truth th

ther had already moved you both into hiding." Derek's jaw tightened. "I've spent three y

g it up now? W

n. When he faced her again, something dangerous glinted in his eyes. "Because pack law is clear. I save

's no

bout this, he'll have no choice but to enforce pack law. The life-deb

y's voice cracked. "What cou

close enough that Lily could see gold flecks in his gray

when I say it. In exchange, I keep your secrets, all of them. Your mother's failu

mind reeled. "What d

eed." Derek's expression gave nothing away. "It's better than exile,

Mom. Derek wasn't just threatening her-he was thre

astard," sh

t married. We're family now, whether we like it or not. This arrangement keeps ev

f I re

with the pack council, which is a serious crime. He'll discover you have an illegal companion. Best case scenario, you both get

tore out of Lily

racked slightly. "But I will if you force my hand. Pack law

the air, strange and weighted wi

pped to her companion's head, fingers tangling in soft fur.

as tr

ll keep your word?"