LOGINIrene's POVThe war room felt smaller with everyone crowded inside.Elders filled the seats around the main table. Maps and diagrams spread across every surface. The smell of blood and smoke still lingered on our clothes from the battle hours before.We had won the skirmish. But winning a battle wasn't the same as winning a war.
Karson's POVThe scratches on her arm weren't deep.But they were there. Red lines carved into her skin. Evidence of a fight that could have gone differently. Evidence of my failure.I watched her apply the ointment. Her movements efficient. Practiced. She didn't wince at the sting. Didn't hesitate or fumble.
Irene's POVThe battlefield was still settling when Karson appeared at my side.He moved fast despite his injured leg. Limping across the blood-soaked ground like the wound didn't exist. Like nothing mattered except reaching me."Irene." His voice was rough. Breathless. "Are you hurt? Did they—"
Irene's POVLexie was broken beneath me.Bleeding. Whimpering. Defeated.I shifted back to human form. Stood over her crumpled body. Ready to end this once and for all."It's over, Lexie." My voice came out cold. Flat. "You've lost."
Irene's POVMidnight came slowly.I waited in the shadows near the depot. My body tense. My senses stretched to their limits. Every rustle of leaves. Every whisper of wind. Every distant owl call amplified in the darkness.The children were hidden safely behind the main building. Far from the trap zone. Close enough to alert us if their sharp noses detected anything unusual.
Irene's POVThe trap needed bait.Good bait. The kind that would make Lexie abandon caution entirely. The kind that would draw her in like a moth to flame.I knew exactly what that bait needed to be.Me.
KARSON "Alpha Karson?" I snapped out of my thoughts and blinked at the maid who looked concerned beside me. The sound of the kids giggling brought me down to Earth and I realized we were having breakfast. Shit. After last night, my mind was all messed up. I hadn't slept a wink since I got back t
IRENE"Here comes the chew train," I almost felt bad for Mirabel. She was trying so hard, but Karen's bored expression wasn't in the least encouraging.Aunt couldn't control her laughter, making matters ten times worse. Carl, on the other hand was swinging his feet as
KARSON"Luna has asked to clear your schedule this weekend, Alpha."I lift my head from my computer, making the guard uncomfortable with an arched brow. "What?"She couldn't reach out to me first? I pinched the bridge of my nose, irritation flaring in me, subtly
IRENE"Don't you think the weather's a little too hot for turtle necks?" Aunt asked as she picked up a fresh red apple and placed it in her basket. Her gaze shifted to hold my gaze and her soft smile as she glanced at my outfit made my cheek burn."It's not what you th







