로그인Irene's POV
The walk back to camp felt longer than it should have.
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.
Irene's POVThe news reached me before dawn.Ken slipped into my tent while the camp still slept. His face grim. His eyes sharp with urgency."Princess. We have a problem."I sat up immediately. Sleep forgotten. "What is it?"
IRENEI could tell he was angry. The heavy frown on his face and the way he clenched his jaw, my words had done more than my actions have. I hope he gets the memo now. Despite my deadpan stare into his eyes with my unwavering resolve, I gulp, feeling worried that he would take this up as a challenge.
Irene had her thoughts with Luna Teresa throughout the drive back home. She felt a dull ache in her chest as she drove farther and farther away from the Pack.She had missed her so much that seeing her again, sprung up all the feelings she thought she could hide and suppress.She kept her eyes on the
Irene and Aunt Teresa talked at length, trying to catch up for the times they missed together but not once did Irene mention the kids. Although she felt guilty for keeping that bit away from her, there was nothing she could do about it.If she wanted her secret safe and to remain a secret, she needed
The night was a long one for Karin. As she rubbed her eyes and yawned, she stiffened in her room. Despite how quiet it was in the house, she could hear the little whimpers coming from the room next to her.Her little ears picked up the sound faster than anyone would. How could it not? She had Alpha b







