er's

red myself a glass of bourbon. The liquid burned down my throat, but

n h

ed on my skin-a maddening blend of the forest and something darker, something I couldn't place. It was

ous night. It was nothing like I'd ever experience. For someon

't expect. It was not just the physical connection-though it had been the best I'd ever ha

me in forever, I

, leaving my partners sated but emotionally unscathed. But wi

re flimsy at best. "Woodland Breeze"? I wasn't an idiot. She was hiding something from m

as working wi

arance, the strange aura around her lately-it all pointed down to b

th the stakes as high as they were.

dialled Jayden. He pick

os

detached. "She's been acting strange. I want to know where she

ated. "You th

upted sharply. "But I'm not taking chance

replied without

one down. My jaw tightened as I

now that I'm speculating that my father is still alive. She had awakened something in me-a rare an

hesitate to remind her who she belonged to, even th

en's

ugh-keep an eye on Mia. Something about her didn't sit righ

en through hell, being forced into Jasper's dangerous games. Her success in today's

Her eyes widened with surprise as she stared at me, be

ut the gift. She hesitated, her gaz

her voice barely

a small smirk. "You've done well. T

art skip a beat. Still by the door, she opened it cautiously, revealing a silk gown and a collection of luxur

she said in a

and a polite smile

tching from the huge window as Mia paced around her room. She seemed restl

om, dressed in dark clothing, and clutching a small bag. I

dense forest that surrounded it. I kept my distance, careful not

she were searching for something. The darkness and towering trees that

nce as her human form melted away replaced by a sleek golden-brown wolf with glowing amber eyes. He

Jasper had sensed, that made him suspicious

every curve perfectly placed, radiating an allure I couldn't ignore. Something deep inside me screamed

arried, and use it to cover her trembling form.

my voice, before turning around. Her wide amber eyes locking into mine as

her voice shaky. "Wh

to her. "I followed you. Jasper was right-the

rting as if searching for an

id firmly, though the panic in

ice breaking. "I didn't ask for any of it. I've been hiding this the whole ti

I countered, my voice sharp. "He alrea

stepped closer. "And my mom.... her treatment. You know Jasper

her words settling in. Mis wasn't just scare

rotect you?" I said,

flicking with hope. "You

One, that I want to protect and the other, that I want to remain loyal to. "I c

cond

ything. No more lies

fore nodding. "Fine," she whisp

down on me. I wasn't sure why I was doing t

in the depths of my chest, somet