ht air was cool, but Emma's skin burned with questions she wasn't sure how to ask. She kept glancing a

ymore. "So... you're a werewolf,

plied without

ier? The one that

e of mine. A mem

g to wrap her mind around the concept

. "It's my job to protect

acking random humans i

to happen. My pack follows strict rules, and harming humans is

ell, it's a little late f

regret. "You don't understand how dangerous this is. My pack is already

ad. "The curse. Wh

h to tell her. Finally, he began walki

tood a towering oak tree, its gnarled branches stretching toward the sky like sk

all began," Kael s

gaze fixed on the stone

ael explained. "The sit

her curiosity piqu

two packs ruled this land. They lived in peace, bound by a treaty sealed with blood and magic. But

ed. "And that's wha

the one who broke the pact. Every generation since has been plagued by the cur

hing at the pain in his voice. "Wha

The wolf inside us becomes harder to contr

mind racing. "Is the

the curse can be broken by a bond stronger than blood-a bond

ning. She wanted to say something-anything-bu

ing broke the silence. Kael shot to his fee

e," he ordered

moment later, three figures emerged from the shadows-two men an

id, his voice laced with

e stiffened.

eplied. "He's challeng

e way his jaw clenched at the n

ad, he turned to the newc

eatures softened by concern. "He's gathering

d. "Right a

ed to Emma, her eyes n

n front of Emma. "This is m

ous this is. If Luka convinces the others that you've br

laws," Kael snapped.

lized what they were implying. "W

n't belong here, human. Your pres

ing through the clearing. "Emma stays. And if

hanged uneasy glances. Finally, they nodded and disappeared

hakily. "What

been challenging my leadership for months. He's u

ned. "I didn't mean

softening. "Luka's been looking for a r

uilt gnawing at her

"Now, I will make su