ct

wn, its weathered exterior hiding the warmth within. It wasn't much-peeling paint, creaky floorboards, and win

the wilted flowers with fresh ones from the market, and scrubbing Uncle Alessio's kitchen until it gleamed. Here, nobody cared about my mixed bl

ce called from his favorite armchair. Despite his teasing,

ho had once served my father's pack before Enzo took over. Now he

hand. "You say that every week, Uncle. I'm star

ckled, then his smile faded as I turned to face him. "Victori

touching the concealer I'd carefully applied this morn

forcing a light tone. "I'll pay more a

in the kitchen, and his response had been swift and brutal-a kick to my ribs that had left me gasping on the fl

ing to catch the scent of my lie, no doubt. But I'd become skilled at

ng, right?" he said softly. "If

h arranging flowers in a vase. "E

gaze. I knew he cared. I knew he worried. But what good would telling him do? He coul

" Uncle Alessio said, changing

sdays at the Omega House. These small kindn

I said, genuin

thousand dollars-every cent I'd managed to save over the past three years. It wasn't much, but it would be enough fo

with Uncle Alessio. The though

le beside him before I left. "Extra cookies for to

as if sensing the finalit

break down if he showed me any more kind

come back next Tuesday, hear? Thos

sidewalk away from the Omega House, I allowed myself one backward g

road. I pulled at the long sleeves of my shirt, wishing I could wear s

ed alongside me, moving at a crawl to match my pace. Th

e

mind-his hands on my body, his mouth against mine, the way he'd made me feel both terrified and exhilarated. I

ed, his deep voice b

rooted to the ground. "I-I

t here," he said impatiently

owned it, owned me-sent shiver

et," I said, pointing ahead weakl

ing something no wolf-even a half-br

yself sliding into the cool leather interior of the SUV, pressing myse

d nothing to ease the heat that spread through me at his proximity. He s

this heat?" he asked, his gaze travel

iously at my sleeve

rrowed. "Yo

m n

ll it," he

dow at the passing scenery. "I don

, expecting a blow. Instead, his fingers gently brushed my cheek, right where Enzo h

His voice had dropped

isted. "I-I wal

as no humor in it. "A d

hock. How did he kno

t his seat. "Did you think I wouldn't investigate t

d. "I didn't-th

. "You came to my club, threw money at me, and as

aid miserably. "

to a complete stranger?" His eyes darkened

er called me that before-most people went out of t

anymore," I said so

eadable. "You're planning to leave, aren't you? That

w could he poss

eavy for a simple trip to the bakery. And there's someth

ck closer. "It's non

is voice silky and dangerous.

and I practically lunged for the door handle. "Thank y

d my wrist. His touch was gentle but inescapable. "This i

ibs. "There is no 'you and I'-

ctify," he said, his eyes

Emma was behind the counter, kneading dough, but she looked up when I entere

ting her cheeks as she stared at me. "Victor