3: A DEAL F

MA

would prevail. Instead, my private moments had been leaked to the entire pack, spreading like wildfire through the ranks. My dignity had been torn apart, shredded as

had turned into the

once been a warrior, strong, proud, and fearless. Now, I was nothing but a ghost, a shadow o

were about t

g, she collapsed. The healers said it was her heart. I rushed to the pack hospital, praying to the Moon Goddess that it wasn't as bad as

t my warrior status, I had no source of income. Art had always been my solace, my escape, but I hadn't touched a brush in months

aces that still tolerated my presence. The owner, Leonard, had always been a ha

mbered. Leonard barely glanced up when I entered, his piercing gaze sc

," he said, his tone void of sy

ed worse. I forced myself to hold

y mother's in the hospital. I need to sell som

tared at me. Then, with a sig

mara. Your work isn't

ons left. The pack had already turned its back on me, and now

the dimly lit stree

get here now

was from the

ed in my gut. I did

c that I didn't see the c

driver, a reckless rogue-his scent thick with alcohol-didn't even try to stop. T

gues stumbled out of the car, their sne

re going, mutt," o

he gutter where you belong

I knew better than to fight. Not

ignoring the pain, an

n but from the fear clawing at my insides. I could hear th

nd monitors. She had always been my protector, my

r approached me

orsened," he murmured. "We're doing everyt

t beneath me. I had n

essing down on me like a heavy weight. I needed to find a w

phone buzzed again. I almost didn't

mes

nvita

cha

mbled as I re

e interested, meet us at midn

fig

ragile yet persistent. Could

ver to step into that world ag

ther. For

ne thing-I couldn't aff

e my decision. At midnight, I

dni

thless, and reeking of sweat and blood. It wasn't the kind of place a f

uy a spot in the fight. It was a

nstincts sharpening. My opponent was a brute of a man, tall

ng as my opponent lay unconscious at my feet. Blood dripped from

ve for home to tend to m

an

mate's

my lip and glared at h

wanted nothing to do with their family. They had caused me a

waited, wanting to hear what he had to say. H

propositi

I wanted anything to do with him or his b

u," I said, walking away. My bo

my

and I turned to him, my breath catc

can give you whatever you wan

u can't be serious. I

bout what the offer provides you

me that he was right. This was an oppor

l the pain his

nce to sav

r this proposition were, but it wa

" I said. "But first,

atever it is, co

e that, my fa