phin

lying at the bottom of the trash basket. For seven years, I had begged that piece of scrap met

all plastic bag, and tucked it into the bottom compartment of my

ected with Grand-aunt Helaine's private frequency to co

rickery, never extinguished." Helaine's commanding voice echoed th

nough, Grand-aunt," I replied, my voice steady and c

y connection through the hidden backdoor in Black Stone Tower's security grid and

leather sofa in Julian's high-rise office, playing with a new holo

miling sweetly. "Julian, look how happy Finn is. An Alpha pup should be spoiled like

armor!" Finn shouted without looking up from his co

gaze drifting briefly toward the empty corner where I used to set down his warm honey-pear tea every morning. Even through the digital

th a tablet. "Alpha, the HR system automatically processed the L

less, scentless, and has zero assets under her name. She won't last three d

ulian's elbow. "Julian, you promised to accompany me to the priv

wed his irritation, and gave a curt nod.

ight of his arrogant face. He really believ

me to meet her at an independent café in Midtown before hea

lled on a faded trench coat, and locked the apartment door behind