TZPATRI

ent sat on my nightstand , radiatin

he email was a splash of cold water, a stark reminder that I was out of time. My heart felt like

ldn't sign my life away without knowing

acket and took the first b

er seen on the news. Alistair must have anticipated my visit; as s

he top-floor VIP wing. I

arded by two stone-faced men in black suits.

ing area, a separate bedroom, and an array o

area and saw him, the man

werful frame evident even under the sheets. He had short black hai

familiarity washed over me. I was s

y, and a long-forgo

ause of my "wolfless" status, a few older

e alley behind the school. I thought

the alley's entrance. A tall figure got out. He didn'

rrogant, froze like statu

ing at me. All I saw was a blurry profile and the scent h

passing by who had unintentionally saved me. But now, that

tic. He had protected me wh

gently touch the back of his hand. His skin was warm

act, I saw his fingers twitch. A t

een burned. Did I imagine it? Was i

till again, as if the movement had

against my ribs. This man

. He had helped me. Now he needed help. And I

; I was becoming property. The fine print about 'absolute obedience' and 'restricted contact' meant I might never be allowed to see Grandma Maeve again, even if I had t

im one last look. "I'

wn the long corridor, and re

reement, and without a second's hesitation, I

or any job I could find. Waitress, cleaner

my grandmother Maeve's sur