da Coo

e rusty wrought-iron gates of the Cooley Pack esta

ers nervously traced the hem of my trench coat

escort me. A small part of me felt a sting of disappointment, but Axel had quietly assured me

ful bow. "Take all the time you need. The Alpha gave strict orders: if anyone in this hou

pale as ghosts, dropping to their knees i

fty, dimly lit foyer of the house where I had spent eigh

e; they simply scattered li

dark basement where my small cot was located, a sharp,

ie, my stepmother, sneered, leaning over the carved banis

cashmere sweater, and a glittering diamond necklace-undoubtedly bough

ed as she looked down

rs like a queen surveying a peasant. "Did that crippled monster even have the equi

ng to look down. "I'm only here

e of gray smoke into my face as she reached the bottom step. "Everything in this hou

basement door, but Kecia stepped directly

ther, you wolfless

n as she raised her manicured hand, aiming to st

ch my skin, a terrifying gust

could track. He caught Kecia's

followed by Kecia's piercing, bloodcurdling

his voice flat and dead, "and I w

g of garbage, sending her cr

or as she scrambled backward, pressing herself a

nstantly as he bowed with complete reverence. "My apol

rusted tin box containing my mother's broken silver ch

dling her broken wrist, while Valer

ond necklace on Kecia's neck and scoffed coldly. "Enjoy t

holding my mother's memory