LOGINMabel’s POV
“Here they come.” Zina’s voice was soft, but it snapped my eyes to the driveway. A dark blue car was pulling up.
I stood between Zina and Dawn, my stomach churning. I didn't want to be near Lydia. This was more than just facing a woman who wanted my mate, Zane. Lydia was my personal bully, and I was praying I wouldn’t fall apart.
I need to do this for myself. The thought was a steady chant in my mind. I was done shrinking, done trying to be invisible. People would come at me, and I needed the courage to meet them head-on. How else could I be worthy of standing next to Zane?
The house was quiet. After breakfast, Tyler went to train with Trevon, Finnian, Jerry, and Caspian. Their morale was much better today after bonding yesterday. Zane had wanted to stay
Mabel’s POV“Here they come.” Zina’s voice was soft, but it snapped my eyes to the driveway. A dark blue car was pulling up.I stood between Zina and Dawn, my stomach churning. I didn't want to be near Lydia. This was more than just facing a woman who wanted my mate, Zane. Lydia was my personal bully, and I was praying I wouldn’t fall apart.I need to do this for myself. The thought was a steady chant in my mind. I was done shrinking, done trying to be invisible. People would come at me, and I needed the courage to meet them head-on. How else could I be worthy of standing next to Zane?The house was quiet. After breakfast, Tyler went to train with Trevon, Finnian, Jerry, and Caspian. Their morale was much better today after bonding yesterday. Zane had wanted to stay
Lydia’s POV“We’re almost there,” Victor finally said.The car was too quiet. The silence had been thick for the last hour, making the drive from the motel feel longer than it was. We had four people stuffed into the SUV, but no one wanted to speak. Victor drove, his hands tight on the steering wheel. Tristan was beside him, pressed against the window. He looked like a kid on a field trip, his eyes wide and curious as the small-town buildings zipped past. It was his first time seeing the world outside the Silverwood territory. I could almost hear him wishing Victor would pull over.In the back, Wendy was a statue next to me. She hadn’t moved since we left this morning. I didn’t know if she was sick or just scared. She spent the entire night curled up in the back seat alone. Last night, Victor had kicked her out of his room. The hostility between them was sharp enough to cut the air. I kept thinking about the d
Mabel’s POV“Come in,” Jamal called.I blinked at the open car door. I had expected him to just lower the window, not invite me inside with Colton. I glanced back. Zane stood at the edge of the driveway with Sullivan, watching. I slipped into the car’s backseat.Colton was draped across Jamal's lap. She looked limp. Her chest rose and fell fast, a shallow, struggling breath. She wore a short, peach-colored dress, and her skin was shining. A weird, silvery light covered her whole body, flickering over the fabric.“Colton?” I kept my voice low, but the surprise was hard to hide.She did not move. I looked at Jamal. “What’s happening to her?”Jamal licked his lips. He looked unsure and nervous. He shifted Colton's weight slightly, avoiding my eyes. What was he thinking? Did he feel like he should not talk to me? Maybe Sulliv
Mabel’s POV“You really expect me to follow you down a one-way path based on your hunch?” I shifted closer to Zane, needing the solid warmth of his body.Sullivan studied us. His eyes caught the slight squeeze I gave Zane’s arm. “Do not be quick to refuse. I cannot disclose details, but you will lack nothing if you come to the Midnight Guardians pack. We will keep you safe. Think about it.”“There is nothing for me to think about,” I repeated. My voice was tight. I felt unsettled. Did he really think I would be fine going with him, knowing he didn't plan on letting me leave? Who accepts that kind of invitation?“We can confirm if my assumption is correct,” Sullivan said. His tone changed, suddenly more serious. That got both Zane’s and my full attention. “There is a seer in my pack. She has her ways to identify our members. Are you no
Sullivan’s POV“You’ve made all the arrangements then, Alpha Zane?”I kept my voice even. Zane finished adjusting the collar of his suit jacket and glanced at me, his face giving nothing away. Tyler, Jamal, and Colton stood ready behind me, their bags already packed and waiting near the door. Everything had to look like a simple, abrupt departure. I appreciated Zane’s efficiency and, more, his lack of nosy questions.“It’s not a big deal,” Zane responded, dismissive. He folded his arms across his chest. “Is there anything else?”I knew how he saw this. With me gone, one minor problem would be off his territory. I wanted to say no, that’s everything, but Mabel was right there, standing a little behind him. Just a minute of her time was all I needed. It was important, crucial, and time was running out. My eyes drifted to her.“I would like to speak with Miss Mabel.&rdquo
Jamal’s POV“It’s not locked.”Sullivan paused outside my door. He was just about to knock, but I sent the thought straight to his mind. I needed him inside. I heard his steps move past the threshold.He should have been confused. It wasn’t even time for breakfast. I knew he was probably thinking that I should be busy enjoying my mate bond with Colton.“What’s going…” Sullivan’s voice cut off.I didn’t need to look at him to know what he saw. My eyes were glued to Colton, and I felt the familiar twist of apprehension in my gut.Tyler was squatting by the corner of the room. He gave Sullivan a quick nod, but he didn’t stop collecting the broken pieces of ceramic from the carpet. He was a silent, grounded presence that I desperately needed.Colton was shaking in my arms. I had her wrapped tightly in a thick bedsheet. I kept stroking her cheek, murm







