g, Eira woke be

am. The bed smelled like hotel detergent instead of cedar. Her cheek throbbed when she

bastian.

the

e sleeping, because the floor was cold and because practical kindness was harder to reject than pity. T

d three unread e

agreement

The first page looked harmless enough: Pack operational authority

thout reading beyond the title. The true separation terms began

not fee

le. He checked clauses when he feared betrayal. With rivals, board members

er, he

t check the blade

ange. Alpha Sebastian was leaving when she step

n of the man who had lost control the night before, except f

egret appeared. Not enough to be

to frightened animals. "Last night was my f

repeated. "But your ha

ed it with the warm public smile that h

d opened it. A silk scarf lay inside, pale go

who always claimed the Pack was running on empty. Guess th

you," he said

e wondered if this meant he cared. Today, she wond

"I think someone el

tian's smil

How much did she know? Then pride came to rescue him, as it alway

onight is the Pack's monthly fami

e

ot please. Not

seating, wine, elders' allergies, Margaret's temper, Isabella's sudden requests, Alpha Sebastian's preference for low-salt food after late meetings. She had

no intention of

d have a r

orms. Alpha Sebastian would be relaxed after dinner. His family would be present, Serena

her eyes. "I

st made her laugh. He thought obedience ha

he main house glowed with porch lights. Through the open windows c

late again. Always running off as if

"She probably has office papers t

he front door

g room sofa like a queen without a country. Isabella lounged with he

er bag. "Please continue. I'd hate to

poke for

"Dinner needs to be made

a chef

f. You know Friday dinners

They were my habit

the furniture had started tal

t cooking. If you want food, order it. I recommend poached shrimp

d her phone. "A

Hun

't even cook, what can you do? My brother gave you the L

into the kitchen with a polite smile and burnin

f you want dinner, make it yourself.

are?" She seized Eira's wrist, nails biting into skin. "No family, no wolf, no power

wn at the hand

rs had left bruises there. Margaret

ide Eira clic

und Margaret's wrist an

s her face. She had expected tears,

I'll show everyone here that being

ouldn'

ne

is my

wo

t a chair with a dull thud. Isabella's mouth fell open. Roger's frown deepened, b

nt door

ha Sebastian's voice s

tur

s not

n paper. Brown curls framed a delicate face. Her makeup was soft, her smile softer,

r coat sleeve lightly a

," he said. "Serena Winthrop. A cl

e fr

fume slid into the room and wrappe

the calm smile he used at busines

ha Sebastian's han

id. Her eyes flicked down, then up to Eira's face, a

knives. Serena Win

Serena said, extending her hand. "Se

Serena's fingers were soft and cool. Her grip tightene

," Eira said. "What