's

Alpha's chambers. The transition always came wi

k. On a piece of parchment,

maids. Stop

ned. He'd know

desk, retreated to the massive bed, a

o's

f the night was a black hole punctuated by jagged image

loss of time. The feeling of b

rose. My body ached. Then

hed. He'd be

ent. Get her some mai

dacity of this other, giving me orders.

he Thorne girl. That was

mbered her fragile throat in my hand. The memory brought a surge of something I ref

his weakness wasn't

ace. But the words were seared into my mind. A primal

mental voice a sharp command that wo

la

ph

I want to know every move she makes, every word

tion-a way to frame compliance as control.

tal voice betrayed noth

g the sun rise over my bleak lands

oman-or the ghost haunting

lea'

to a so

. But the door was still a splintered

out cau

ever. Behind him, three young Omega wom

ese servants will a

strangle me last night was now sending me

h clothes, warm water. The breakfast was lavish-smok

of trap closing in. The maids were quiet, efficient, and never left me alone. Ke

edom w

to meet Ash would no

und myself thinking of his kind gray eyes, his gentle smil

oment, a savage beast. The next, a provider. Cha

mise, counting their rewards. Rosalie was likely preening for h

had n

he food my would-be murderer had sen

n a gild

the key was completel