loor beneath me. No one had bothered to see me off. No farewell, no acknowledgment. Th

I wouldn't be coming back. Even if I did, there wouldn't be anyone waiting for me. Tears threaten

shift. The territory of the Shadowfang pack st

stood tall, surrounded by strong fences that marked their domain. Everything abo

d. The car kept moving for what felt like forever,

ft Crimson Howl. The quiet around him pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. I pulled myself closer to the side, care

nt sudden enough to make me flinch. I stayed where I was unt

is eyes lingering on me

e high above, the floors gleamed, and the air felt cold in a way that settled deep. Davis w

ke without looking back. "Leave u

a small bow and stepped out, leaving me

voice flat as his eyes

ngers tightening together in my lap. The quiet dragged on, pressing do

hatever Caleb is planning, I don't care. Just understand this

ck hard, but I

pening. Here's how it works. We'll marry for show, and I'll place my mark on you. To everyon

nse left me.

ed. "That's all

. "Yes." There was

eemed to irritate him, b

west wing, away from my quarters. You won't sit with me or share my table

, but I gave a small

nt of surprise showing. "Yo

at what you want?" I replied quietly. At least here, I would

slightly. "Rui

aloud. "Yes," I admitted, lowering my gaze. "Or... f

second, something unreadable cros

to take lightly," he

. Your conditions are acceptable. Following

ion hard to read. "Do you even rea

ow. I'll stay out of your way unless... unless you need an heir." M

nst his brow. "Fine. We'll leave it at that. Brandon will t

again, my voice soft. "

, surprise show

ething. If I feel hungry, can I go to the kitchen

tly. "That's what's on

don't want to break a rule without knowing." Back in my old pack, meals weren't

couldn't believe it. "Y

iefly. "You're strict about rules,

letting it go. In the end, he spoke. "No, you don't have

easier. It's not like I could miss you

l. "What doe

had gone too far. "You're like... some

ightly. "Is that sup

t is. It means you stand out."

he said, his hands tightening before he let them fall. "Forget it.

ight away.

word, he turned

racing. He was harsh, and being near him felt overwhelming, but he had

I was holding. My face still felt warm. I had gotten through thi

my stomach mad