LOGINAvery’s POVAn all too familiar car was waiting in Aldric’s driveway when I arrived. Gideon was standing beside it, leaning against the door with his arms folded. The moment I saw him, a pang shot through my temples.Oh, no. I knew that pain all too well.For a moment, I considered turning around an
“Well, you have to think of something better.” My father thought for a moment, then suggested, “Maybe it would be easier to drive the woman away. She clearly has fewer ties to the packs, and wants nothing to do with Gideon. If she leaves for good, he won’t be able to chase her anymore.”That had cro
Avery’s POVThe sun rose high and hot the next morning, bringing with it the sound of cicadas buzzing in the grass and a warm steam rising from the dewy ground before eight o’clock even struck.I had just finished my coffee and was preparing my things to head to Aldric’s clinic. Our trial was beginn
Before 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
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 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
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







