a's

oman in pajamas and a trench coat, soaked to the bone and clutching a single backpack

er Crown Estate? Ma'am, you sure about that? That place... it's not for just a

city lights blurring past, my mind

ads. The deeper we drove into the forested hills, the more my phone

crest was worked into the metal: the snarling head of a wolf intertwined with a crown. The place looked less like

stood watch. He rolled down his window to speak to them, but one of them simply he

n take you," the driver

r shock. He sped away as if fleeing a haunted h

y cars purred up to the gate, presented some kind of pass to the guards, and

es, was a smaller service entrance. The security there seemed less intense. As I watched,

as my

were silent on the wet asphalt. The back of the van was unlatched. I hoisted myse

else... something wild and musky, like wet earth and animal fur. I dismissed it as the sm

squinted, seeing a bustling kitchen loading dock. While the driver and a team of workers were busy

few nice things I'd managed to save. I ran my fingers through my damp hair, trying t

ards a side door. I fell into step behind him, keeping m

moved with a predatory grace. They were all tall, confident, with eyes that seemed to miss nothing. They

of unease, I scanned

od. To be accepted by Alpha Lyca

ed women stood nearby, sipping champagne. I pr

nothing to me. A nickn

ing with her glass towards a second-floor ba

ith an older, stern-faced man. My path was clear, but two more guards stoo

past them. I needed a

preparing a tray of drinks, clear

mind. I took a deep, steadying breath and started