SKYLA. I hear Royce stifle a chuckle, letting out a small cough instead as he tries to hide his smile, and is it just me or does he look drop-dead gorgeous when he’s trying to keep up that broody front. He’s gorgeous, but when he gives you that rare breath-taking smile, damn, it does something to me. When I had told him this story originally, I had seen it and I don’t think I will get that image out of my mind… “That shit did not happen around you.” Dad growls. Oops, did I ruffle some Lycan fur? “It obviously did happen, and I heard it. You traumatised me as a child!” I declare defiantly, trying not to snicker at Dad’s expense. His frown only deepens. “That fucking shit didn’t happen. You were the only one who was fucking traumatising others.” I cross my arms and raise an eyebrow. “Not true, you talking about eating pussy gave me nightmares.” “You know exactly what the fuck I meant. That shit is no fucking excuse to bring the damn cat to school.” Dad frowns. “Obviously, I know,

SKYLA. Night has fallen, and I am getting dressed for dinner with Dad, Kat, and Royce. I don’t know why Dad invited him, but it makes me wonder if he ended up hearing us in the office earlier. I hadn’t heard his footsteps; I had been far too distracted… plus his hearing is better than mine… but there’s a high chance he didn’t hear. I sigh as I pull on a fresh pair of panties, my mind returning to our earlier training session. I had ended up hurting him again in the first half of the session. Why do I always lose it? He wants me to calm myself when I begin to get riled up… and today he hadn’t defended himself, in hopes I’d be able to stop myself, but I didn’t – I couldn’t. He had had to step back at the last moment, and if he hadn’t, I would have scarred that sexy body of his permanently. Great… I put on some earrings, unable to stop myself from thinking about the second half of our session. The guilt and panic had almost made me tell him my truth and my heart skips a beat as the

SKYLA. I want to know too… I raise an eyebrow as Royce glances away, his gaze flicking to Dad. “I’m sorry. It’s been a rough evening.” Royce says to him just as a waiter places our drinks down. It irks me how she’s eyeing them both up. I should tell Mama, it’s pretty fun to see her try to hide her jealousy when it comes to Dad. “Thank you.” Kataleya says to her with a small smile. No need to smile at the little perve. Yes, I’m a total hypocrite. I can perve at Magic Fingers all I want… My gaze falls to his hands. I like the fact that he has big manly hands… “The food will be here soon. Enjoy.” She smiles, and Royce gives her a nod as Kataleya smiles at her. No one speaks until she leaves, and Kataleya slides her drink closer to herself. I turn my attention back to Royce. I wonder what happened… considering he was completely fine at training. Dad cocks a brow. “I hope this dinner doesn’t fucking impose on you if you’re not in the best of fucking moods. I don’t want Kenneth

SKYLA. A game? He’s so close, his thundering heart and those brilliant blue eyes are too much. All I can see is him, his scent wreaking havoc with my mind and I suddenly feel as if there is no air and I’m drowning in his rage. I let out a shaky breath, trying to control my emotions. I exhale, and I’m surprised to see the puff of visible air. It’s so cold in here? Is a window open? “He told you.” I state quietly, looking into his eyes. I don’t even know how to feel about that… Why would Aleric do that? He almost smirks, his cold eyes boring into mine. “Of course he did,” he scoffs. “Why not gloat right?” “That wasn’t-” “Whatever it was. The thing is, Skyla… don’t mess me about. You thought since you couldn’t have one brother, why not just have the other? Correct?” I stay quiet, his words hitting a nerve. He sees right through me. “You know what? You and Aleric seem to be the perfect match… carry on, I wish you both all the best, because this Arden is not going to be added

SKYLA. I had grabbed a baggy cream knit top and pulled it over my crop top, pushing it back from my shoulders so it would cover my ass up, until Dad drops me at school, anyway. I’m sitting in the car, with my earPods in and tapping my foot to the beat of the music. “Can we try to talk about this?” He says, looking over at me. “No,” I say, glancing at him but refusing to switch my music off. He sighs, frowning as he stares out ahead at the winding road. “You know we’re worried about you Sky. That’s why we’re here, to help you and fucking be there for you. It’s fine to struggle, it’s fine not to be fucking in control. It’s fine to let others see that.” No, it’s not and I’m dealing... somewhat. Mama had healed me, the pain of the poisons and the bite were gone, and I feel alive. Not sure if that’s a good thing, considering I might lose control faster. “Fucking talk to me Sky.” “You know what the problem is?” I say, taking my pods out and looking at Dad pointedly. “I’m all fucking