Chapter 61

Ainsley’s POV“Hi. I’m so sorry I scared you. It was shitty of me. You don’t deserve that kind of stress.” I slide my arms around Beckett from behind. “Thank you for being there for me today.”“You’re forgiven. I’m just glad you’re not hurt.” He turns around and hugs me tight, pressing his nose into my damp hair close to my ear so he only has to whisper. “Ainsley, the Alpha wants me to keep tabs on you.”“He told me.” I nod against his shoulder. “And I told him I know he has to keep me safe for Caleb’s sake.”“I told you I’m not fake and you can trust me. Now I feel like you’re going to question everything I do or say. I don’t want it to be like that,” Becket takes a deep sigh, letting his arms squeeze me deeper into him. “And it’s weird that they would treat you differently because of Caleb. Like, kinda fucked up, really. Now I’m in the middle of it and I’m not sure what to do.”There’s a pang in my heart. Why does this feel like a goodbye? I should have known. He shouldn’t have to.

Chapter 62

Ainsley’s POV“Who do these tatterdemalions think they are? Don’t they know who I am?” Paragon bristles.“Egotistical much? They don’t know you and they don’t care.” I hiss at her as I walk past the Level One guards. “You attacked two of their own. You weren’t even supposed to be awake.”“Let’s get this training over with.” She huffs.“Paragon, if we’re going to stay with this pack, then you need to learn to get along with them. They’re our allies.”“Do you think they’ll be useful in finding Elysium?”“They’re already useful at keeping zealots and murderous rogues away from pack territory.” I remind her. “They at least deserve your respect for that.”“Hmm,” she muses.“Line up!” The trainer announces. “If you haven’t met Ainsley, she’s the Beta’s daughter and Alpha Scion’s sister. Ainsley, fill in the empty spot in row three.”I make my way to the third row and take my place between a girl with short brown hair and a guy who seems scared to look at me. Someone near the front raises th

Chapter 63

Caleb’s POVAinsley’s mind is busy. She’s already thinking about her first move after the Alpha’s warning. She's cursing herself for thinking she could put some of her group in their place by not letting them take the lead, too. It’s not a guilty feeling. She’s mad at herself for not taking things seriously.“Vipers’ nest.” I murmur.“What’s that?” Alpha Lucas leans towards me.“She figured out why Level One guard training is a punishment.” I say, still watching her. “She thought it’d be easy.”“Caleb, you’re not supposed to be thinking to her.” He scolds me.“I’m not. I just feel it.”“Can’t you focus on not feeling it?” Becks asks.“We’ve been able to work on focusing on not letting the other feel what we’re feeling, but not the other way around.” I explain. “I don’t know how to numb her emotions or pain or injuries… or whatever. She has to do it from her end. I can only push it away, sort of. Same with me to her. She's better at it than me.”“By design.” Zion chimes in. “Otherwise,

Chapter 64

Ainsley’s POV“All healed up just in time to shift tonight!” Dara squeezes my knuckles. “Any pain when I do this?”“No, ma’am.” I flex and curl my fingers.“Perfect. Officially medically cleared.” She writes a note in her folder. “You really hurt Tamila, you know. Three broken ribs. Deviated septum. A few loose teeth. She’s not used to that kind of treatment.”“She started it. Caleb was the one who ordered the fight. I had to defend myself.”“You’re part of our pack, Ains. So is Paragon. I know she isn’t used to a large pack, but you aren’t lone wolves. Your pack mates are not your enemies.”“Everyone has ulterior motives, Dara.” I twist my mouth while she flips through her folder. “Even you. Keeping me healthy helps keep your Alpha Scion healthy. Right?”“Ouch.” She gives me a tentative smile. “Don’t forget words can hurt. Sometimes more than fists.”“Sorry, no promises. I’m not taking people’s shit anymore. I won’t start anything, but I won’t take it either.”“I’m not trying to take

Chapter 65

Kayla’s POV“Maybe if I paint my nails?” Charlotte’s cheeks and nose are cherry red from crying, and her hair is like a rat’s nest. “Like, maybe if I get a manicure it would help him think I’m taking care of myself?”“A fresh set is always a nice way to give yourself a little pick me up. Maybe I can do it for you here instead of asking to go to the nail salon?” I give her a big smile. “Where do you keep your nail supplies? I’ll pick a color.”“In the linen closet in my bathroom.” She wipes her nose with her sleeve. “There’s a kit with, like, polish and remover and stuff.”“Okay. You stay here. I’ll get a makeup wipe to clean up your face too.” I scrutinize her features. “You have some mascara running.”Her chin begins to tremble again. “Kayla, you’re, like, my only friend. For rea“That’s not true. Everyone else is just busy.” I slide off the bed. “Give me just a minute.”I lean against the bathroom counter as soon as I’m out of Charlotte’s sight. This is freaking exhausting. I’ve nev

Chapter 66

Ainsley’s POV“You can’t wear THAT.” Charlotte folds her arms over herself. “What if this is the first time you meet your mate?”“I told you earlier, I don’t have a mate. Shorts and a tank top should be fine. Would you rather I wear trainers instead of flip-flops?” I grab my mascara and open it with a little popping sound. “I’m putting on mascara in case anyone actually gives a shit, but no one is going to be looking at me or Paragon. They want to see Zion and be the first to clap for him.”“Let me at least braid your hair,” Kayla offers.“Where’s your makeup bag? You’re not leaving this room without blush and lip gloss.” Charlotte shakes her fingers through her new wolf cut. “Not over my dead body, anyway.”“Wow. This is a side of you I’ve never seen, Charlotte.” I chuckle. “Yellow bag on the vanity. Kayla, if braiding my hair will make you feel better, then fine. You can braid my hair.”“Thank you.” She sits me in a chair and stands behind me, brushing out my hair. “Are you nervous