a's

lence. After a moment's hesitation, I hurried after the Alpha twins. I nearly had to jog to catch

y chest and coughed light

ou didn't have to help me back there, but..." Their g

" Kael said, casting a sidelong glance at his brother. "She broke a basic pack law,"

studied me for a momen

us?" he asked abruptly. I blink

even out of curiosity. I wasn't sure how to resp

ed to take his place someday. Until..." I gestured vaguely between them

etorted, his voice harsh. "Even the lowest-ranking members of the pack have to be able t

oth stared back, disapproval in their

hest. Why couldn't they understand that I'd never had a choice? Couldn'

u'll attend training whether you like it or not. You'll probably need extra sessions to make up for all the years yo

ympathy in his voice. I f

t my fault." Even as I said it, I knew defending

ntempt didn't waver. "Everyone knows what a troublema

with a wave of his hand. His eyes were full of hostility. "Do you think

If only they knew what she was really like. But they'd

the lump in my throat. I couldn't ex

ou think of me?" I ask

already thought I was a murderer or a weakling. Hearing it from the twins shouldn't have hurt any

nne told us how you treat her. Like she's your.

our mate, you'll find out what it's like to be the one t

ed, pointedly turning his bac

ught myself befor

rrible person they thought I was. I was

left. He was still watching me. Un

your brother?" I snapped, un

he truth meant nothing to them. All they cared about was becoming Alphas and having everyone

fists and drew a deep, unsteady bre

ho's never trained before," Rowan said at last. He gave me

But I hadn't. I could still hear every word. The praise had been grudging, as thou

the two of them made it hard to look elsewhere, and I was g

when a hand seized my arm, finger

round to find Vivie

ee, but her grip wouldn't budge. Her eyes narrowed. "I know exactly what

ienne, I..." I stopped, unsure why I was even tryin

grip tightened until it felt as though my bones were

passed us with their heads down, making a point of ignoring what

arm, pinching the tender sk

my arm away, I cradled it against my body and gently rubbe

er nose at me. "Keep this in mind," Vivienne added, her voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "Once I become Luna, your entire miserab

ubled over and clapped a hand to my face as blood spattered the grass and ran down the front of my clothes.

gift from Camil

gh my tears. With one hand pressed firmly ove

the only one who knew what she was really like. Vivienne Ramona was no angel, yet everyone insisted on treating her as though she could do no w