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
A low rumbling, growl shook the air, he took a step forward before turning away from me. He took a deep breath as his body started to shake. I could almost feel how much restraint he was exercising over himself.Did he… Did Dominic want me?The thought sent a thrill through me that I tried to squash
“How’d you like the Blue Office?”“It was incredible. I... Thank you. I promise I kept the gore down.”She waved her hand grabbing a cup from the cup holder and lifting it to her nose as she flicked the top open.“We have cleaning staff who work magic. It wouldn’t be the first time there was blood i
Renee"I could really use a tutor,” I said.Then, I explained my plan. Maybe she heard more than I meant to say, but she nodded.“I’ve got a meeting to get to. Cracking heads usually takes a few hours, but I’m free for the rest of the afternoon. You need anything to entertain yourself for a bit.”I
“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