CALIFF“So you two made up?” Zack sniffed the air.I looked over my shoulder. “Why are you here?”“Believe me, I’m worried about Shadow’s father. Have you heard anything from Italy?” He slumped his ass on the couch.“No. Zarah will call if Sebastien is in trouble.”“Where’s Shadow?”“She’ll be here shortly.”The door swung open. Her gaze shifted from me to Zack. “Hey, Zack.”“Luna.”“Am I still a Luna?” she specifically asked me, showing her unmarked neck before coming to kiss me on the lips.“Of course, you’re my mate and my wife.”“Okay. So, is the band getting back together now?” She sat across Zack and sighed with furrow, taking out her phone.“What’s wrong?”“My father is not answering my call.”“He would let you know if something went south in Italy. And he has lycan warriors and human security details to keep him safe.”“Yeah. I hope so.” She put her phone back in her pocket and turned to Zack. “So why are you here?”“He’s worried about Sebastien.”“Huh. Really?” She looked at

CALIFF “I’m not comfortable with you joining us. Let me take care of this. Just wait for us here.” “No, Califf. I’m coming with you. I may not be as strong as you and don’t have enhanced senses, but I could help.” “Let her go,” her father said, giving his daughter a gun. “Take this.” She smiled at Sebastien. “Thanks, father.” “Just stay by his side and don’t get distracted.” He then looked at me. “Take care of her.” “I’ll be fine, father.” “With my life.” I still didn’t like it, but we just got back together, and I didn’t want to make her look incapable in front of everyone. I knew she could take care of herself, and she learned how to fight before I met her, but she was my Luna. “Are you guys ready?” I turned to Zarah. “Yes.” “I don’t wanna be a hassle, Califf, and that’s why I did a short course because, at times like this, you could use a lot of help.” “I know, baby.” I kissed the top of her head. “I trust you.” We joined Calder and Everlee. “Why do you have a gun?” I

CALIFF “You’re a werecat.” I stood before him. He was locked up inside the cell. The bars were thick enough that it would take time for him to cut it through with his claws. “Yes.” He finally woke up, and his bite— a werewolf bite, and my claws left nasty scars on his skin. “So what’s your beef with my kind?” “Claire,” Sebastien replied from the concrete stairs. “Elder Aciano’s wife.” I turned to him. “Why her?” “You’re asking the wrong question, Alpha Califf. He and Claire had a brief relationship.” Sebastien came down with an old photo in his hand. I almost chuckled, reminding myself of Shadow’s speculation. “A Lycan Alpha King. It’s almost an honor meeting you.” For a moment, I thought I saw an awe and fear in his eyes as he looked at Sebastien. “Unbelievable. So, this is all about you being rejected for Aciano.” I scoffed. “Killing my kind for your revenge plot of mending a broken heart.” “Oh, no.” A smug smile appeared on his lips. “You got it all wrong. I’m not the big

SHADOW “You’re not actually considering everything he said. We could be walking to a trap.” “This is a desperate time, Zack. If you have an idea how to end this, now is the time to share it with the class.” Califf was frustrated, and Aciano’s betrayal took a hard blow to him and his leadership. “I’m sorry, Alpha. I’m not questioning your decision. It’s him that I don’t trust.” Zack pointed at Kain, who just joined us in the living room. He already changed into a shirt and jeans, which my father had loaned him. Zarah even treated his wound. “I have a pretty bad feeling about this.” “I know. I feel unnerved, too, but Waylon and Eleanor are not answering their phones, and it will take minutes before the guys can get to their house. The problem with SOS to the pack members is that they will cause panic and might as well inform those loyal to Aciano and Claire.” “At least the guys are already informed.” “Let’s do this.” My father stood across the table before Kain. “I ordered my men

CALIFF The reason why I didn’t inform Shadow about our plan was because this was dangerous, and there was a huge chance she would disagree. “Yeah. We will do the rest here.” I turned to Kain. “But if, even how irrelevant it is, you feel that something is off, abort the mission and run for your life.” “Got it.” “I will portal you just outside your apartment.” “You too, Zarah? So, it’s just me who’s against this plan?” “We’re running out of time. We need Kain as our inside man. It will work, baby. Trust me. Trust this plan will go well.” “Then, if he dies, at least my conscience is clear.” She walked out on us. Once she was far enough, her human hearing could not hear us. I faced Kain, looked into his eyes, and made sure he got my message. “If you want to show Calder you’re on our side, this is your only chance. Don’t screw this up, or I will have my claws in your chest, ripping your heart out.” “See you on the other side.” When Zarah created the portal for Kain, I followed Sh