nor

vering of a bond that had barely formed-throbbed in my chest like a second heartbeat, erratic and agonizing. But I didn't look

ating, a heavy blanket over the pack mem

dare

orward. She didn't look like the frantic woman who had been tending to my

with a rage so potent it seemed to vibrate through the floorboards. "You stand before the

on bored. "I did what was necessary for the survival of my bl

ering behind Adrian's expensive suit. "And you. Ariel. I took you in when your parents died. I treated you like a dau

appen, Luna," she whimpered, her voice pitched perfectly to carry to the gathered crowd. "We

, her hand raised as if to stri

d my mother's hand away with a sneer. "The choice was mine. I need a strong Luna. A warrior. Not a wolfless Ome

dead end. The words brand

ion. "Do you hear him? He insults your daughter! He insults our Pack

face pale, sweat beading on his forehead. This wa

roar. He didn't shift. He d

ket and forced a ti

be dramatic. The Moon Goddess works in mysterious ways. We al

Even the pack members

ping back as if he had slapped her

ight. The Black Creek Pack needs strength. We need strength. This union... between Adrian and Ariel... it secures

e. "You coward," she breathed. "You are no Alpha.

I am doing what is best for this Pack! We will not je

, the secret phone calls, the urgency of the wedding-it all made sense. My father hadn't just agreed to this; h

ly one losin

d on like a proud puppy waiting for a treat. My mother stood alone in the center of th

rt was cold. The tears I expected to fall had drie

ght I was a defect to be discarded s

d no longer hide in the shadows; I