MasukI took a seat, perching a little nervously on my knees. With the door shut behind us, the living room felt more intimate than it ever had before; we usually only used it for more formal meetings or guests. But now, it felt like it was being used for what it was supposed to be used for, and it was we
Ellie’s POV“Yes,” Amy said. “A sleepover. One night this week. I think it could be really beneficial for you both.”I looked at Dominic. He was staring at Amy like she’d just suggested we run naked through the pack grounds. It certainly felt that way.“That’s… Unconventional,” I muttered.Amy smile
“Oh, here we go.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Dominic, Lucas had nothing to do with it except for the initial invitation. This is my passion, and it has nothing to do with either of you.”Dominic gnawed on the inside of his cheek and stared at me like he was searching my face for answers.Amy,
Ellie’s POVOur next therapy session was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. I showed up right on time on purpose, hoping to avoid any awkward small talk with Dominic beforehand. He was already sitting on the sofa when I walked in, chatting with Amy, who was in her usual chair with her notebook open i
He thought for a moment before he said, “I appreciate how smart you are. You’re studying to be a healer, and you’re good at it. I’ve seen the way you talk about your classes, the way you light up when you’re learning something new. It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you.”I blinked. I
Ellie’s POVDinner was almost painfully quiet. We ate the roasted chicken and vegetables that the cooks had prepared, and Dominic made a few attempts at small talk, but mostly, it was only the sound of scraping cutlery and chewing and Vivian’s distant sobs that filled the air.After we finished eati
This time, I’m not soaked.And no one was hurt.My hand presses to my temple. Thank gods.The applause hasn’t even finished fading when Vivian’s voice cuts through it.“She rigged it!” She points innocently. “I’m sorry! But! She did!”The room stills.I turn just in time to see her step forward, loo
Dominic POV The moment her voice cuts through the ballroom, my body goes still.I whip around.There’s no way she—She’s…on the damn stage.“Shit,” I mutter under my breath. “You little—”“I reject the bond,” Ellie says, and it hits like a blade sliding straight between my ribs. “I always have.”My
I stop walking and check it.My parents.Right….It was coming up.I stare at the screen for a long moment before answering.Sure, why not. Perfect timing for another train wreck.—Ellie POVA few days have passed and my ankle has strong strong enough to walk on, mostly without a limp.But that did
Apparently, my future had just been sealed. Again.But I don’t want him. I’ve never wanted this.But when Dominic opens his mouth, he faces his parents. “With respect, you’re wrong. Ellie wasn’t the prime choice of the night. And my opinion should carry some weight here too. I’m the one who has to l







