el

edical Institute into a cold drizzle. Preston hurried after me, popping open a large black

lose, I noticed thick red bloodshot lines spider-webbing throu

all night?" I asked softly

ll you unless it worked, Hazel. Last night, after the preliminary list leaked, I use

gers curling into my palm

" Preston said, his jaw clenching hard. "He didn't even open the folder.

, he unleashed his full Supreme Alpha pressure and threatened to tear up our two packs' timber

essed down on my ribs,

th deep pity. "He used a direct clan decree for Valerie. Hazel, I think he's genuinely fallen for

eston looked heartbroken for me. I forced the sting back from my nose and gave him

title, Hazel, but I swear I won't let them take your mother's life. This morning, I submitted an eme

erewolf world where bloodline rank meant everything,

'll repay this debt with my life, Preston. Just promise me you'll stay away

sted on driving me home, but I shook my head firmly. Any rumor of me riding in another A

ty city bus heading toward the old district and watc

's words about Alaric's ruthless defense of Valerie. A husband I had ne

he folding table and opened the drawer where the whit

it up the screen: Return to the main villa before nightfall to fulfill your marital con

I had signed that blood contract to keep my m

Draught deep into the inner lining pocket of my coat, terrified my bo

my hair up. The girl staring back from the cracked mirror

d out into the howling wind and hailed a cab

he Kensington Pack rose through the storm. At the towering black iron gates, Gamma guards in

the massive stone facade of the main villa. Inside the courtyard, servants hurried past with

y draft snaked around my ankles, and two guards stepped out of