Chapter 1

"I'm moving to Stormcrest Pack, Mom."

Silence—then a loud gasp. "You finally said yes!"

Her voice shot up. "What changed? You said you'd never leave! Did your dad pull something?

"I knew he couldn't lead. When we split, I begged to take you. He swore he'd protect you and Ryell. I should've known better. What happened? Who hurt you—I'll make them pay."

My mom always loved me loud and fierce.

She tried to take me back then. Dad shut it down, promised I'd be safe. Ryell clung to my hand, crying like I was his lifeline.

So yeah, I stayed. For them.

Now? They trashed every promise like it meant nothing.

I swallowed the burn. Kept my voice breezy. "Just missed you, that's all."

She caught the crack but let it slide. "I missed you too, baby. Having you home again? Best news ever. I'll book your flight now. I can't wait."

Call ended. Ping—[Flight's in three days.]

Another—[Maria, say goodbye to your friends. I hope we never have to be apart again.]

Goodbye?

Only three faces came to mind—Dad. Ryell. Jovan.

All done with me.

Three days was plenty.

I slipped my phone away, standing at the corner solo while snow hammered down. Wind cut through my coat.

Still called my dad.

Because blood's blood, and goodbyes matter.

One ring—then nothing.

Tried again. His phone was off.

Called Ryell.

It rang forever before he finally picked up. My fingers were going numb.

"Why are you blowing up my phone? Callie almost missed her cue!"

Should've been used to the bias by now. Still hit like claws to the ribs.

"I just... Hey, Ryell. Been a minute. Dinner?"

He scoffed.

I rushed it. "I booked that seafood spot Callie's obsessed with. Tonight?"

Callie—the little orphan Dad brought in.

Since she moved in, I'd never stooped this low for her.

Ryell still sneered. "What now, Maria? Stirring up more drama? Last time you nearly wrecked her performance. What's your play this time?"

Straight-up betrayal. My brother, the one who swore he'd always have my back? Gone.

"It's not like that. Just wanted to see you."

"Well, I don't."

Before he could hang up, her voice slid in, soft and sugary.

"Ryell, don't be mean. You'll make Maria sad."

Dripping honey now—"It's been forever. Let's do dinner. But I'm wiped. Can we eat at home? So sad the maid's off. I'm craving garlic shrimp. Maria, could you cook it for me?"

"Of course," I said. Too fast.

Hung up before Ryell could bail.

I was so caught up in the 'yes,' I forgot one thing—

I'm allergic to shrimp.

Can't even touch it.