The outline of the Zircon pack was different and unlike anything, Raine had ever seen before. She looked around in wonder and amazement, marveling, and in awe of the territory. Her earlier discretion lay forgotten as she took in the beauty all around.Atticus opened the car door and got out. Raine followed suit wincing at the discomfort and pain of moving with all the sores marring her body.Two wolves rushed out of what she guessed was the pack house and shook hands with Atticus. None of them smiled and Raine's heart dropped further as she thought of more problems arising because of her arrival. "Come on," Atticus guided her into the house as they followed the wolves that came out to greet them. They opened the door and went in.Raine gasped in surprise. An audience was waiting for them. She hadn't been prepared to have them welcome her. They probably thought her father was sending some high-profile wolf as a symbol of the peace treaty. Her stomach dropped further again knowing she

Nikolai's POVNikolai was soaked in orange juice and dripping wet. But that wasn't his problem. His major concern was the look on her face when Tyla yelled seventy strokes of the whip. He's not one to shy away from mentoring out punishments to people. After all, she was here as punishment for what her pack did.But there was something about her that made him want to protect her. Maybe it was the cite freckles dotting her face, or the innocent green eyes looking down dejectedly. He couldn't place why she invoked his need to protect.Slowly, Nikolai stood up and wiped his face. He heard her gasp behind him as he unfolded his full length. He turned to her and realized he still didn't know her name. The girl who had captured his attention at first glance."What are you called?" he asked."Raine." She squeaked still looking down. Nikolai wished she would raise her head so he could look into the emeralds she wore as eyes."Come with me." He ordered.Nikolai didn't miss the triumphant smile