iana

a small, silver tray, I didn't hesitate. I reached out and

ew partnership," I said, my vo

have cost. It would likely wipe me out. But it was a point of pride. I would not be the charity case,

tion of a second. His eyes darted to

t observer to my small act of defiance, allowing me the dignity of the gesture. Hi

ladies' room. I needed a second to splash cold water on my face, to stare at my own reflect

gripping the cool edge of the counter, and took a deep breath. The reflection that st

ited whispers drifted from a seating area down the hall. A group o

it? So soon!" one

It's official!" said another. "Hailee

n the door. My own phone felt heavy in my clutch. With numb finge

ece of propaganda. It praised Hailee's "gentle spirit" and "unwavering devotion to the pack." It spoke of a "natural, und

driana Sullivan had simply ceased to exist. I was an

found, chilling indifference. The last vestiges of loyalty, of affection, of belonging to the Black

ress. I lifted my chin. And I walked bac

g my debit card and the receipt back on the

taken care of

. "Thank you." I glanced at my watch. "It's getting late. I hav

with my own thoughts, but I couldn't stay he

is suit jacket from the back of the chair.

id. "Ian will see

ess. He understood my need for distance, for the

er," I said, the wo

and walked away, following the silent waiter who led me to a different car

en

a disappear into the glittering tapestry of the city. She walked with her back straight, a qu

. David Price entered, his head bowed, hol

you instructed, the lady's card was not charged.

, not turning f

r card... it would not have c

had left her with nothing but pocket money, expecting her to come crawling ba

ace a mask of cold fury. I pul

office prepared for her on the thirty-fifth floor. Move her files, her team-whatever she needs. I want her operational by morning. Then, I want

's voice was ca

for a Centurion card. Unlimited

hose nam

uch pride. Have The Onyx Room send it to her office tomorrow morning. Tell her she was

l be do

her fear and defiance. The mate bond, a thing I had long considered a political inconvenience, was no

cold. They had tried

burn their entire world to th

the room, the air around me dropping