AS'

rs pressed against my temples as Gavin pa

he said, raking a hand through his

ther. The strongest Alpha of our time, the one cursed by fate,

though I already knew the answer.

t Ares know about Noah. He's her mate. He can protect her better than we can. And h

inside me. "No," I said firmly. "We move

urself! We can't keep uprooting Noah's life every

napped. "I promised I would protect he

ough our argume

e ag

tanding in the hallway, arms crossed, he

need

tting me off. "I'm

ays been stubborn, but this time, there was

n her heel and disappearing into her room, leaving th

, frustration cl

s fragile, Lucas," Gavin muttered. "Sh

jaw, unwilli

"You know, while you've been busy keeping Noah s

hat are you t

n his voice. "Your mate, Lucas. The woman you aba

r than I cared to admit. Was I b

rifted back t

EARS

, the scent of blood and despe

glow over the trembling walls. Inside, a woman's agonize

corner of the dim room, clutching his youn

cas whispered, ey

chaos, another s

by's

owning out the pain and fear, and in that

antly stepped forward, peeri

eathing shallow. But in her arms was a t

d eyes to them, her voic

dear," s

nswered, stepping closer,

wn at the baby. "Her name is Noah. Promise me...

roat. He didn't understand why his mother

I will protect

heek as she weakly placed

h your siblings, Lucas. They will come

wned, confused.

other did

, trembling breath,

t move. Didn't bli

ther w

elt Gavin's tiny hand grasp his sleeve, heard his little brother sn

si

o

e knew he'd won t

ittle Lucas l

ility that would defin

O THE

ed in my chest as

my sister. She wa

't going t

he doorway of Noah's room. She was curled up a

shifting her onto the bed. I watched a

m, Gavin crossed his arms, a

o convince her, don't bother,

and over my face. "Th

ed an e

ore finally say

ed, clearly

," I admitted. "For making all

chuckle. "Damn right,

rk, but then my expression grew

iffened.

odd

re sighing. "Be careful, Lucas. You migh

~

ownstairs. She looked fresh, her black hair slightly

me without so

friend's dorm tonight," she said

ut before he could ask anything, s

," I

for the bri

cknowledging me

ing crack ins

ays prote

I was suf