a P

I changed into my most nondescript clothes, and slipped

to be sealed. I had to find a way out before I

k's territory, a rough neighborhood of low-rent apartments whe

le beer and damp concrete. This was where I grew up. The stark contrast between thi

stairs and knocked on

stained undershirt, his hair greasy. When he saw me

e? Come in, come in!" he said, pulling me i

cluttered room, trying n

g straight to the poi

er!" he said, rubbing his hands together

omitting the part about Isla's pregnancy. "Aries i

at least feign so

e contorted, not with

his hand on the table, making the beer bot

edulous. "Dad, I'm the one who was bet

blessing! A little grievance is nothing! As long as

yes, I wasn't a daughter. I was an in

mbly. "She told me you borrowed hal

an investment! Besides, the Monroes are so rich, what's a little money

"I came here to ask if you could help me leav

p surprisingly strong. "Kira, listen to me. You have to go back to Aries! Beg him,

sting suggestions, m

arm free. "You

esorting to more venomous words instead. "You useless thing! I raised you, hoping you'd climb the la

kness. Jason was in college, and I was the

your father. Don't sign any papers tomorrow. Go and beg Aries. H

for over twenty years, and the last shre

the stupidest decis

re. I just turned an

going?" he ye

. I just pulled

... I'll go kneel at the Monroe's doorstep and tell everyone what

s truly trapped. I had lost my mate, and no