K

weak, and I honestly think I might fa

ing to make it feel real. The same Lamen who used to hurt me, who pus

My heart races as I prepare for the mating ceremony. This is a big moment, and I'm not sur

when I have to run. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself, when suddenly, two warm ha

close to my ear. "N

r brushes against the back of my neck.

voice low and rough. "We'r

secret, and even some in front of others. I didn't think he'd ever show me affection publicly, but he did. Thinking

ask softly. "I thought you didn't want t

ine, holding tight. "Yes. It's over. She understand

nd I want to believe him. But that's when my wo

ear. All is n

hat I nearly jump. Lamen feels

ong?" he a

ust... a little cold, that

ven though I try to shut it out. I don't want to think about wh

oaking in a bath to ease the pain after b

amen says behind me.

squeak, tur

his voice rougher n

against me, and a shiver runs up my spine. The heat between us is powerful, overw

ng," I admit quietly. "W

om my face. "You'll be fine. A few bone cracks, maybe s

er the times he and Aria's friends kicked me until I co

," I m

out thinking, letting him, even though part of me feels uneasy. Out of the corn

I can't help having compassion. I inherited that from my mother-caring too much, ev

elieve Lamen when

o upset you. I'll never hurt you again

down my cheeks before I can stop them. Ma

st of Lamen's crew-the Rock brot

hat place. Too many bad memories. Meet me there at midnight. That's when you shift, and I'll cha

cien Silver, steps onto the s

Pack, but tonight we celebrate the union of two true mates-Sky and Lamen. An unexpected

words feels wrong. I can't explain it, but it's the same sick fee

cuts through m

ou still

's speech and ceremony. I feel fake smiling through it all while he crowns us. When I look aro

ressing another glass into my hand. "You w

ling out of place. I drink because maybe it'll q

king with Lamen's crew-Gareth, Rylan, Eli, and Drake. I'm surprised at how ea

almost feels like we'