Mag-log inBefore she disappeared, I called out, “How do you know?” Melissa didn’t stop walking. She didn’t even turn. She just said over her shoulder, “The trees tell me things.” I blinked a few times, certain I had misheard. Before I could ask what she meant by that, she was gone, disappearing around the b
Avery’s POV “Go figure.” I stormed over to the gift bag and picked it up, glancing inside one last time. Shaking my head, I turned to the nurse who had been working with me before. “Is there a place I can donate this?” I asked, holding the bag up. “Maybe the kids in the clinic would like to play w
“I was just passing through.” He was holding something in his hands. A bag, I realized. From a kids’ store. I recognized the logo immediately.“What’s that?” I asked.He held the bag out. “See for yourself.”I didn’t take the bag right away. Colt took it instead, obviously to Gideon’s chagrin, who c
Avery’s POVThe boy was young, no older than Bjorn. He was small for his age, with sandy blond hair that had clearly once been full and shiny, but was now dull and thin and falling out, leaving behind bald patches on his scalp.I sat beside his bed, gently holding his tiny hand and rubbing soothing
Gideon’s POVI felt like a coward as I watched Avery just… walk away. Get into that car with another man and that child that I was pretty certain was my own. And leave.Fiona was standing beside me, tugging on my arm and saying something, but I couldn’t hear whatever it was over the sound of my wolf
Avery’s POVBjorn’s expulsion letter stared at me from across the table. The big red letters at the top were clear: “EXPELLED FOR VIOLENT MISCONDUCT.”The table fell silent. Even Bjorn, who had previously been chattering away to Gideon about something, went quiet. I could feel him shifting in his ch
These people would never question the Luna’s commands in a public forum, but they would air their doubts privately to neighbors or friends. Gossip spread quickly in a tight-knit pack, and their silent glances and whispered judgements were palpable if you knew what to look for.The grocer had complet
Avery’s POVAfter Jessica’s unpleasant visit, I felt as though even my long-shot hope had been decimated. I had written the letter as she requested, though it pained me to have to write my false testament to her character. It wasn’t all lies. I had no doubt that ruthlessness, pride, tenacity, and a
“You know I’ll work you until you die,” she said, in a low voice that wouldn’t reach the warriors posted as guards, “I’m carrying Gideon’s child, and once I give birth he won’t care at all what happens to you.”I did my best to ignore her as I pulled myself to my feet with the help of the railing. I
Avery’s POVAnd then he was gone. The one person I thought might be able to intervene, who might have been able to throw me a lifeline, instead turned and walked out my bedroom door. He held all the cards, and instead of playing the hand that could have saved me, he had done the equivalent of polit







