*Today was the day.The car rolled down the street. The road was a bit rough, and each bump sent a jolt to my already frayed nerves. I was irritated, scratching at the walls to get this done as the next semester loomed closer."Remember, Renee, composure. That's your most powerful weapon today. Th
Dominic was the first person I noticed, but it was because he was seated in my direct line of sight as soon as I entered. The doors were closed behind us. We took our places, and as soon as the main judge, an older man who probably believed that women were only worth something if they were married,
Philip scoffed, folding his arms. “You’re being childish,” he said dismissively. “This is nothing but a tantrum from a girl who didn’t get her way. You broke off your engagement on a whim, and now you expect to be free of all consequences?”The words that wanted to come beat at my teeth. I swallowed
DominicThe thing about the whole case was that I couldn’t help but be surprised. Surprised. Impressed, and a bit turned on. When I thought of my own daughter and how she would have reacted to all this, it was hard to compare them. Vivian would have been screaming across the aisle. Wild, out of co
And now? She was calling them out ruthlessly. It was just enough of a threat to make them do something. Because no one—not even these bitter old dogs—could argue with criminal charges, And it would be to work with nothing to make these charges public and stir up speculation. A lot of packs across
ReneeI blinked. “Wait—what?”Dominic looked just as stunned as I felt. “Pardon, did you say me?”The head of the council adjusted the collar of his robes, clearly unbothered by our disbelief. “Yes. You are not of the Frostborne pack, and you have no legal claim to the estate beyond your current… pr
The man paled. Dominic turned to me slowly, something unreadable passing behind his eyes.“Counselor, I think we can both agree that drawing more attention to Ms. Caldwell’s uniquely vulnerable state would not be in her best interest. You have my word that I will transfer control of her estate, her
Philip staggered back, swaying on his face clutching his face, shock rippling through his features as he fell to one knee. Blood dribbled out of his mouth and nose, and the way he cupped his face made me think that Dominic had broken his jaw. The lawyer hummed, a little impressed sound I hadn’t expe
“Thanks,” I said anyway.Arielle reached out and took my hand. “One day you will believe it.” She pat my hand. “Now, when are you coming to Mountainhowl?” I blinked. “What?”She shrugged. “You’ve got a place there. You’re one of us. I figure it’s time.”I stared at her.This woman—this terrifying,
Renee“Thank you,” I whispered. He took my hand and squeezed gently. Then, he left his bag beside me.He turned to leave, and I caught Arielle watching him with the kind of interest that made me incredibly nervous. “Brooding, protective hero, hm? He's perfect for you. Keep your heels and you dress
When the photos had been taken, they started frisking people. Vivian stepped up.“You can’t---”“Quiet,” Arielle said not even look at her.I felt the compulsion cut through the air, striking Vivian. She shut her mouth, her eyes went pale and she went completely still, fearful.“Leave.”Vivian turne
ReneeNeil was blocking my view of Tyler, but I could see the woman and her entourage clearly. For one glorious second, I thought maybe they were on my side. But then I saw the crest on the woman’s lapel—something ancient and royal, unfamiliar even to me—and the way the others stood between her and
No.I must have heard wrong. He’s supposed to like me.He will like me given enough time.Vivian blinked. “Excuse me? I must have heard you wrong.”His expression was cold, unmoving, his lips tilted up in the smallest show of disdain and disgust.“You see a woman who is meant to be your friend beate
Someone made a move to leave or punch him, it was barely a tremble of movement several feet behind Neil.“Don’t move.”I shuddered, flinching as the command settled, but somehow missed me. Then... I realized that the compulsions, none of them, hadn’t actually been directed at me, but cast across the
Fight.My fist connected with her jaw so hard my knuckles screamed in protest, but I didn’t care.Someone yanked me back and off her. I roared, jerking and twisting hard to shove them off, to the ground, clawing at their face. Another person rushed up toward me and I shoved her back. She went flying
“You think you can humiliate my brother and get away with it? You’re nothing but a spoiled, pathetic little—”I was on my feet seconds later, snarling at her. “Keep your fucking hands off me, and keep your pathetic little brother away from me.”“You—”“And don’t think for a second you’re going to ge
No. Honestly, not out of a desperate last-ditch effort to garner my sympathy, too scared or too ashamed—too hurt in some ways— to just ask. I closed my eyes and cursed under my breath.That kiss.I shouldn’t have let it happen. Shouldn’t have wanted it the way I did. I could still feel the soft heat