te Cole

e broken wooden wolf were clutched in my hand, the rough edges digging into my palm. I did

staff. He stood beside a black SUV built like an armored tank. The oppressive aura of

dow. "What is it?" I

tone as precise as a machine,

portant Pack mission? Or is he just taking a break from his ne

cess to the Pack's inner circle, destroying my chances of finding out w

h and obedient as I unbuckled my se

filled with the suffocating scent of Harden's cedar and storm. We dr

nthouse felt like the pu

t was the cherry-red tip of a cigarette glowing between his fingers. He looke

his voice echoing in

im but stopped a

ur hand," h

d, then he

ingers to reveal the broke

oice flat. I refused to le

nearby fireplace. The flames licked up, consuming the wood in an

finally said. "For three

do you

r-of-fact. "An apartment downtown? A new car? A promotion f

in the world had a price tag. He thought he could buy away his guilt for stand

"I don't need your money," I said softly. Then, I pointed to the priceless, limited-edition gold li

act, I casually tossed the solid gold lighter straight into the nearby trash can. "Perfect," I smiled, a p

genuine surprise-of confusion-crossed his golden eyes. He had clearly expected

ed by my petty, rebellious little stunt. In his world, everyone wanted something. My refusal