i's

shed room, and something struck me, this was not my room or my mother's room, this room was sc

last thing I remembered was being attacked by the wild w

spoke up. "Ah, welcome back, Kali. I

ng me with a warm smile. She had a gentle touch as she gave

lently, watching me with an unreadable expression. His eyes

I?" I stuttered,

ing pillows behind my back. "You're in Ryder's esta

canned the luxurious r

jaw clenched. "The attack, Kali.

rushing back. The fores

voice calm and gentle. "Don't worry, Kali. Y

scared and felt uneasy. Why was

r remained silent, his eyes never leaving my face.

d, my voice barel

es never leaving

sked, my heart pou

and sank into the couch. "I am Ryd

ned in surpr

i, are a guest in my home and

ething about Ryder's piercing green eyes that put me a

m glad to hear that. Can you tell me what happened?

her's house, my journey through the forest, and the attack by the wild wolve

fe now. You're under my protection, and I promise you, no harm will come to you

not deny the threat that came with his words

i. Now, tell me more about yourself. What

d sheepishly. "Well, I love to run, expl

uh? I like that. I'm more of an outdoorsy person

answers. I found myself opening up to him in ways I never thought p

to reveal. My curse. The secret that had haunted me for so long, the secre

den deep in my heart, where

turned serious again. "Kal

tension in the conver

rsed?" he a

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

ust say I've done my research, Kali.

now about my curse. Did he go back to my pack and

talk. "And that's why I'm willing to make you an offer

ecame sweaty. What could he possibly off

ked, my voice bare

mirk. "Let's just say... this deal w

t?" I mumb