n't help but think about Racheal and Asher. I h

e of dark stone and wood. It loomed above us as we ap

t lighting and plush furnishings. Kalen led me to a be

his voice gentle. "I'll have someo

As Kalen left the room, I took a deep

ock at the door. A pack member brought in a tray

think about Racheal and Asher.

smile on his face. "How are you feelin

ssion. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

moment, I saw a glimpse of the old

r meant for things to go this far. I just... I cou

d. "You love me?" I ask

on mine. "I do. And I want to

had never expected Ka

ew I had to escape. I couldn't stay here, no

I made a break for the door. I ran as fas

t I didn't look back. I kept running

almost

hind me, and I knew Kalen ha

s burning, but I knew

. I had stumbled over a root, and

saw a figure s

ced off, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. I tried

growled, his voice low and menacing.

teeth bared. But as he looked at me, his expression ch

f form began to shift. He stood up

ce low and sincere. "I never meant

a surge of shock. Kalen's eyes locke

d. "Kalen, no," I said, my voice

nt, I saw the pain in his eyes. B

," he said, his voice low and men

flashing with anger. "You'll have

ocked in a fierce stare. I knew that thi

began. Ryder and Kalen clashed, their bodies cra

ught, my heart pounding in my

d down to see Asher, my precious pup, sta

ed, his tiny v

y chest. "It's okay, baby," I whispered,

er and Kalen out of their rage. They stopped

Asher. And for a moment, I saw a glimpse o

low and sincere. "I never meant to hur

you need to leave," I said, my voice firm. "You can

I saw the pain in his eyes. But the

to me, his eyes locked on mine. "Lyra, are yo

f relief. "I'm fine," I sai

tight hug. Asher squealed with delight,

s voice low and sincere. "And Asher. You're both

gratitude. I knew that I was safe, and that R