Chapter 2

Kane's camp occupied an abandoned factory outside the city.

It had stood empty for years. Wind slipped through the tin roof, and rusted pipes lined the walls.

The moment we entered the basement, my legs gave out and I fell.

The price of rejecting the mate bond had caught up with me.

Pain tore through my stomach. Cold sweat soaked my back.

I curled up on an old mattress, barely able to breathe.

Kane lit the stove and took some herbs from a shelf.

Soon he brought me a bowl of dark liquid. The bitter smell of aconite filled the little room.

"Drink. It'll take the edge off."

I took the bowl and gulped it down.

It was horribly bitter, but it worked fast.

The pull on my soul eased. I slumped over the edge of the bed to catch my breath, then managed to sit up.

Kane pulled up a chair and wiped the sweat from my forehead with a damp cloth.

"Why would the Blackwood Alpha take an interest in you?"

"Fated mates."

I wiped the medicine from my lips.

"The Moon Goddess has a sick sense of humor."

Kane raised an eyebrow, his tone mocking.

"So you passed up a pack Alpha for a rogue?"

"At least you won't make me kneel."

A wolf howled outside.

Logan barged in with his guards. "Hand her over."

Kane stayed in his chair, turning a combat knife in his hand.

"You've got some nerve, coming into my camp to make demands."

Clara followed Logan inside.

At the sight of me on the old mattress, she pressed her lips together, then feigned concern.

"What have you done to yourself?"

She turned to Logan.

"Don't blame her, Logan. She grew up in the slums. She only lied and stole because she was hungry.

"I'm sure she sold herself to a rogue because she needed money, too."

Logan stopped beside the bed. "A liar and thief like you doesn't deserve the Moon Goddess's blessing.

"I'll give you one more chance, Lila. Kneel and swear you'll never do anything wicked again.

"Then I'll take you back to the pack house as my Omega mistress.

"But you're not fit to be my Luna."

Leaning against the headboard, I let him finish. Then I laughed.

"What's so funny?" Logan snapped.

I pushed myself upright on the mattress and looked at Clara.

"She's right. I really am that bad.

"I stole from the church. I forged those records. I spent more than a decade in the slums. I'd do anything to stay alive."

Logan frowned. "So you admit it?"

"I admit I've never been the perfect Omega you wanted."

I spread my hands and smiled.

"I never said I was good. You decided I was some poor, innocent girl. Now you've decided you chose the wrong girl, and somehow that's my fault?

"All it proves is that you're an idiot."

Logan's eyes turned red.

"You're challenging an Alpha."

He stepped forward and reached for my throat.

Kane growled. His fingers shifted into claws that closed around Logan's wrist.

Both Alphas unleashed their power. The metal shelves along the wall rattled.

Logan's guards drew their weapons. Rogues emerged from across the factory and surrounded them.

Logan stared at Kane and tried to wrench his hand free. Kane didn't let go.

At last, Logan withdrew his power and shook off Kane's hand.

"Fine."

His eyes narrowed.

"You'll attend the Moon Festival ball in three days. If you don't, I'll burn this camp to the ground."