Prologue

**This is Book Two of the Guardians Trilogy. While it can be read as a standalone book, there are references to events that happened in Book 1. It is recommended that you read the first book, The Broken Warrior’s Daughter, before reading this one.

“Liam!”

I was almost to my car, almost didn’t have to face that she chose him over me.

It had been a long shot. I knew Cara wanted to find her fated mate. It was an even longer shot when I realized that Rik was her mate. But I still had to try. She is an incredible woman. She will make an amazing Luna. Just not my Luna.

I stop. I have to do this. I have to let her know that we can still be friends. Just not now, not for a while.

I turn to her. Even in the dark I can see the tears in her eyes. She just found her mate but she’s worried about me. Of course she is. That’s one of the many reasons I wanted her.

“I’m sor…”

I cut her off. “Don’t. You were always honest with me. I knew you wanted to find your mate and see if it would work. It was a risk I was willing to take.”

I look up and make eye contact with Rik. He’s standing back, giving her this time with me. It’s more than I would be able to do if I were in his shoes.

I look back at her and put my hands on her shoulders. “You always wanted to find your fated mate. Rik is a good man. He’ll be a good Alpha and a good mate to you. And if he isn’t,” I look back at him, “You know where to find me.”

She sniffs, trying to rein her tears in. I wipe them off her cheeks with my thumbs before reaching into my pocket and pulling out her birthday present. I’d had to really dig to find the pictures for the locket, but I found them.

“Happy birthday.” I say, handing her the box.

She unwraps her present and opens the box. She pulls out the locket and looks at me. “It’s beautiful.”

“Open it.” I say to her and I watch as she opens it to find the pictures. One of her parents before she was born and one of them together holding her as a baby in their arms.

Her hand goes to her mouth and the tears start to fall again. “Liam…”

I kiss her forehead. “I have to go away for a while. Take care of yourself.”

I step back as Rik steps up behind her, wrapping his arm around her waist, looking at my gift. I see the surprised look on his face. “Thank you. I know it means a lot to her. To both of us.”

I nod and turn back to my car. Without another word, I get in and begin backing out. They continue to stand there as I pull away, but I don’t look back. Now that I’ve lost my Luna, I need to focus all my attention on finding Eli Gunnar. It’s time for the Banished Beta to pay for killing my mother.