Silver and steel

ad. I'm a hunter, spying for Cassian Holt, the Ironfang pack's alpha, while hiding my own wolf inside. I'm also pregnant, a secret from a one-night stand with Jaxon Creed, another alpha. If Cassi

sad tune, like it knows I'm doomed. "You don't get it," I say, voice low. "You're a monster now. You'll kill, like the ones who took my family." Luka's grin fades, eyes soft. "I didn't choose this, Kane. Rhea got me drunk, and I woke up like this. I'm still me." His words hit hard. I didn't choose this-not my wolf, not this baby, not this life. My hand shakes, Mercy dipping. My wolf howls, feeling home with him, and I hate it. I glance at the diner's windows, rain streaking down, and wish I could run. The door slams open, and Elena storms in, blonde braid swinging, crossbow aimed at Luka. My heart jumps-she's here, real, not a memory. Vincent Marrow, our hunter boss, follows, his silver sword shining like his smirk. His ice-blue eyes cut through me. "Kill him, Kane," Vincent orders, voice sharp. Elena looks at me, and I see her-my Elena, the girl I loved before hunting split us. Her eyes waver, but her crossbow's steady. "Mir, do it," she says, my name breaking. "He's not Luka. He's a monster, like the ones who killed your parents." "El, please," Luka begs, no sarcasm, just pain. "I'm your brother. I didn't want this." My hand trembles, Mercy heavy. I've lost my parents, lost Elena, and now I'm losing myself-to my wolf, to a baby I'm not ready for. Luka's plea echoes my own fear: I didn't choose this. My wolf pushes me to protect him, not kill him. Elena's eyes, full of hurt, tear me apart. I loved her, maybe still do, and she wants me to kill her brother. My promises-to hunters, to revenge, to Cassian-are falling apart. A roar shakes the diner, glass shattering. Jaxon, black-furred and huge, crashes through the window, tackling Vincent's guard. Blood sprays, hot and sharp, splashing the booths. The few customers scream, running for the door. Elena fires, her bolt gr