Chapter 2

Georgia's POV

The next morning, I went to a witch's tattoo shop in town.

The witch gripped my shoulder to hold me still and studied the black writing on my back, her brow furrowing.

"This isn't ordinary washable paint," she said. "It was mixed with low-grade wolfsbane ash. It's already seeped into your skin and damaged your healing ability. It won't wash off. The only way to get rid of it is to cover it with enchanted ink."

I simply nodded. "Then cover it."

The tattoo gun gave off a low buzz as the needle pierced my skin again and again.

In the mirror, I watched the humiliating words disappear beneath a tattoo of a dark forest and a full moon.

I'd never actually considered getting a tattoo before.

Five years ago, Ethan and I had sensed each other's scent at our coming-of-age ceremony and realized we were fated mates. After that, whenever things got intimate between us, he would run his fingers over my bare back with obvious fascination.

"Never get a tattoo," he had whispered. "I love your pure, flawless skin. I want to leave my mark on it."

I'd agreed and kept that promise for five years.

The witch wiped away the beads of blood from my skin and gave a low whistle. "That looks badass. It really suits the vibe of your inner wolf."

I looked at the new tattoo in the mirror. It was wild and defiant, and the corner of my mouth lifted. "Thanks."

For some reason, breaking those ridiculous rules didn't feel bad at all.

When I got home, the entryway was empty. There was no one in the living room.

As soon as I pulled out my phone, I saw a new post on the pack forum.

Lily had posted a series of photos from the Christmas market. Dad and Mom were holding mugs of mulled wine, with Lily standing right in the middle and Ethan beside Dad.

In the last photo, all four of them were raising their glasses at the camera. The caption was just a few words. "The whole family is here!"

I stared at it for a moment.

Mom had said that once I finished dealing with the paint on my back, the whole family would go together.

I supposed they had gotten tired of waiting. Or maybe they had never intended to wait for me.

30 minutes later, the front door clicked open.

Lily walked in carrying several shopping bags. When she saw my new tattoo, she raised her eyebrows dramatically.

"Well, look at you, going from good girl to punk!"

Mom came in behind her and frowned as she looked me over. "Why did you get something like that? A tattoo that big? It's awfully unladylike."

I looked at her, my tone completely flat. "You guys went to the market without me?"

Mom paused slightly as she took off her shoes.

"It was a last-minute decision. Lily said it would be too crowded at night, so we decided to go earlier. You were busy getting that paint sorted out with the witch anyway. We can always go together another time."

Dad hung his coat on the rack and casually added, "It's just a holiday market. It'll still be there another time."

Lily had already run back to her bedroom. When she came back out, she was wearing a moonstone necklace that gave off a faint glow.

My eyes lingered on it.

It was mine. Ethan had given it to me for my birthday last year. He'd said it had been blessed at the Moon Goddess's altar.

I walked over, my voice cold and hard. "That's mine."

Lily touched the faintly glowing stone. "I know." She rolled her eyes. "You've got that wild-looking tattoo on your back now. A classy necklace like this doesn't even suit you anymore. What's the big deal if I borrow it for a couple of days?"

I held out my hand. "Give it back."

Lily's expression darkened instantly.

Mom hurried over and stepped between us. "What are you doing? Lily's only borrowing it. It's just gathering dust in your jewelry box anyway. What's wrong with lending it to your sister?"

Dad looked annoyed too. "You're making a huge deal out of a necklace? Why do you always have to be so dramatic?"

I turned to Ethan.

He stared at me for a few seconds, then looked away.

"What necklace?" he asked, feigning confusion.

I stared at him. Inside me, Nyx let out a contemptuous snort before cutting off her link to Ethan.

"The one you gave me for my birthday last year," I said.

He let out an "oh", as if he had finally remembered, then smiled dismissively. "Just let Lily wear it. That dress she's wearing goes perfectly with the necklace. I'll get you another one later."

Lily immediately lifted her chin, looking pleased with herself. "See? Ethan said I could wear it."

I lowered my hand without saying another word and walked back to my room.

That evening, the Northridge pack sent over the official electronic contract. I was to report for duty in three days. I signed my name, pulled my suitcase out from under the bed, and started packing.

When Mom came into my room, she stopped when she saw the suitcase on the floor. "You're packing?"

I kept folding my clothes without looking up.

She quickly came up with her own explanation. "Oh, right. Your mating ceremony is next month. I guess it's time you started moving your things over to Ethan's place."

As she spoke, she reached into my closet and pulled out a cashmere coat with the tags still on it.

"Have you even worn this?" she asked. "If not, give it to Lily. She could use a beige coat."

I stopped folding my clothes and looked at her. A faint, cold smile touched my lips. "Go ahead."

Mom immediately smiled, satisfied. "That's more like it. Sisters shouldn't fight over every little thing."

She walked out with the coat in her arms. She didn't even glance at the suitcase beside the bed, which was packed with my papers and clothes for every season.

But there was nothing left worth fighting for. In three days, I'd be leaving this place for good.