“You have to tell your Dad.” Shannon grimaced as the two of us sat on my bed.“I don’t want to.” I shook my head stubbornly, knowing what had to be done.Shannon rolled her eyes, “You knew beforehand you’d have to tell him. Don’t chicken out now.”“I’m about to tell the Alpha King a man he hates is coming to dinner tomorrow.” I pursed my lips, “He’s not going to be happy.”“And you’re not just anybody. You’re his daughter.” Shannon frowned, “Just be honest with him.”“You’re right.” I admitted reluctantly, “Let’s do this.”‘Dad?’ I called out in the mind-link.

The three of us took our time on the balcony, sitting out there for what felt like hours. Caroline clearly needed the time away from her Mom, and I was happy to oblige. We talked and laughed like we used to, like we had before all this drama started.I couldn’t help but feel that Caroline was slowly drifting away from the two of us. I hated the feeling and wished I could suppress it but instead it remained. We had been best friends since birth, growing distant never crossed my mind before.Around two hours later, Caroline stood from the table. Her Mom had been blowing up her cellphone, even though Caroline told her she’d be hanging out with me.“I still have to convince her to let me leave tomorrow.” Caroline huffed, “But don’t you worry. I’ll be here tomorrow night.”“Good.” I chuckled, “I hope your Mom relaxes a little bit.” I added the last bit in to make Caroline feel better. I&rs

A light tapping sounded on the window, making my heart leap from my chest.‘Dad, are the guards on my side of the house distracted.’ I murmured through the mind-link.‘Were currently in the middle of a meeting.’ Dad responded immediately, ‘Although, it was fairly difficult to come up with an excuse on why I’m holding this meeting just before midnight.’‘Did you come up with something?’ I grimaced.‘Of course.’ Dad responded, ‘Make good use of your time Bella. I’m not sure when Viktor’s name will be cleared.’‘Thanks Dad.’ I rushed out.‘Anything for you, Bella.’ Dad smiled, ending the mind-link.I clamored over to the window, yanking it open wildly. My eyes strained as I tried to see in the dark. Half of the lights outside were off, the other half on. I assumed Viktor or my Dad was responsible.A dark spot moved jus

I wasn’t surprised that Elena couldn’t smell my change in scent when she walked into my bedroom. My room had smelled like Viktor ever since he left. The smell had begun to fade, its intensity rising as I used Viktor’s body wash in my baths.My Dad had called everyone into the living room, Shannon and I included. Each Royal was present followed by, Uncle Jaspar, Dad, Shannon and me.Bryton Duboi gave me a hard look, one that held just a fraction of sympathy. Geoff Halifax looked haunted, like a Father who had lost his only son. Elena was playing the part of grieving Mother, not daring to show her real face in front of my Dad. Even Annalise Halifax had her own mask of sadness, though not nearly as convincing as her Mother.My heart hammered in my chest. I stood off to the side with Shannon, hoping my scent wouldn’t waft around the room. There were already many scents lingering to begin with, hopefully masking my own for the time being.

Arabella’s P.o.vI let Viktor’s voice lull me to sleep, staying connected to him until the darkness had taken me over.‘Goodnight, little Princess.’ Viktor murmured, the last thing I heard before sleep claimed me.I shot up in bed as my Dad’s voice flooded through my mind.‘Bella, are you awake?’ Dad’s voice rang out.‘I am now.’ I grumbled, wiping the sleep from my eyes. Shannon was still curled up on the couch, only her mess of curls visible from underneath the blanket.‘Geoff Halifax has decided to hold a funeral pyre for his son.’ My Dad informed me, ‘This should be easy enough to complete. We will be holding it tomorrow night. The Royal’s will stay leave after its completion.’‘And are we prepared for our dinner tonight.’ I winced at the harsh light streaming through my curtains.‘Everything is prepared.’ Dad n