SusanHer smile didn't waver. "The genetic condition we discussed is progressive, as I mentioned to your mate. The twice-daily dosing will help manage the increased metabolic stress on your system." She began unpacking supplies with efficient movements. "I'm also looking more deeply into your specific case to ensure we're providing the most effective treatment possible. Something that will keep you as far from mortality as possible for as long as possible."The way she emphasized 'mortality' made my skin crawl. This bitch."I see," I managed."Nothing to worry about," Evelyn continued brightly. "We're just being proactive about your care."She prepared the injection with practiced ease, checking the dosage twice before turning back to us. When she picked up the second syringe, she looked directly at Damon."I'll need to speak with Susan privately for the evening medication. Some questions about symptom management that might be... sensitive."Damon immediately shook his head. "I'm not
SusanThe sound of Damon's footsteps in the hallway made my stomach clench. Heavy, deliberate steps that meant he was thinking about something. Hard.I arranged myself on the bed, pulling the silk sheet up to my chin and trying to look as fragile as possible. The performance had become second nature over the years, but tonight felt different. Tonight, I wasn't sure it would work.Because now he knew. About the genetic condition. About the fact that his supposed "rough treatment" hadn't caused my illness at all.Dr. Morrison had been so easy to manipulate three years ago. A young resident, fresh out of medical school, eager to please the Luna of Moon Pack. When I'd coached him on what to tell Damon about my condition, he'd gone along with every word."The internal trauma from repeated... incidents... has caused permanent damage to her reproductive organs," Morrison had explained to Damon with the gravity of a seasoned physician. "The scar tissue is affecting her hormonal balance, causi
EvelynTwo kids were down on the playground, their small forms crumpled near the swings in a way that made my stomach clench. I was already moving toward them before I fully processed what I was seeing, my medical bag clutched in one hand.Pack members had gathered in a loose circle around the children, their voices overlapping in the way crowds did during emergencies—everyone talking, no one really helping."—just collapsed, I swear they were fine a second ago—""—Tommy was on the swing and then he started shaking—""—should someone call the Alpha?"I pushed through them without ceremony. "Move back," I said, dropping to my knees beside the closest child. "Give them space to breathe."Tommy Brennan. Of course it was fucking Tommy.His skin had taken on a grayish pallor that I didn't like, and his breathing was too rapid, too shallow. When I pressed my fingers to his wrist, his pulse was racing underneath my touch. Way too fast for a kid his age."How long have they been unconscious?"
DamonThe conference room felt smaller with Robins in it. Two Alphas in one space always did that. I'd dismissed everyone else after the courtyard mess, but Ava had somehow slipped in when Cole was herding the crowd away. She sat in the corner chair, small legs swinging, dirt still smudged on her torn dress.Should have sent her to Miss Hilda. Would have, normally. But after what happened with Tommy, after seeing her split lip and the way she'd looked at me when I'd finally...Christ. The way her face had lit up when I'd held her. Like she'd been waiting five years for that moment.Maybe she had.Robins stood near the window, hands clasped behind his back. Professional stance. The kind visiting Alphas used when they were pissed but trying not to show it. Dr. Graham sat across from me, her posture rigid. Careful.I kept catching myself looking at her. Something about her profile, the way she held her shoulders. Familiar, but I couldn't place it.Last night's dream flashed through my min
EvelynMargaret staggered backward like I'd slapped her again. Her face went through this fascinating progression—confusion, then dawning horror, then fury. The crowd around us shifted uncomfortably, their heads turning between Margaret and me like they were watching some bizarre tennis match."What did you just say?" Margaret's voice came out strangled.I didn't repeat myself. There was no need. The words hung in the air between us, heavy with implication. I stood there, calm as you please, watching her mind race through possibilities. Watching her try to figure out if I was bluffing.The thing about Margaret Hilton is that she's used to being the smartest person in any room. Used to controlling conversations, manipulating outcomes. But right now? Right now she looked like someone had just told her the sky was actually green and produced photographic evidence."You're bluffing," she snapped, but her voice had lost some of its earlier conviction. "You're just... you're making this wor
Evelyn"She needs to be punished."The words hung in the air like a death sentence. Margaret stood there, blood on her lip, eyes burning with the kind of fury that demanded satisfaction. Tommy's father nodded agreement, sensing vindication. Cole looked grim but resigned.Damon held Ava tighter, his face a mask of conflicted emotions. This was it. The moment where he'd choose pack law over the woman who'd protected his daughter. The moment where I'd finally pay for five years of careful planning.Everyone expected me to cower. To beg. To drop to my knees and plead for mercy like any sensible visiting wolf facing the wrath of an Alpha family.Instead, I straightened my spine and looked Margaret directly in the eye."You can't punish me."The courtyard went dead silent. Not the tense quiet of before, but complete, stunned silence. As if the world itself had stopped to process what I'd just said.Margaret's mouth fell open slightly. Cole's eyebrows shot up. Tommy's father looked like I'd