ene

program started in two weeks. The location was a secluded, high-altitude territory

o on the mantelpiece of us smiling on a beach, his arm wrapped tightly around me. The delicate moonstone neckl

ical revulsion

first, the sound of shattering glass a grim satisfaction. The moonstone necklace followed, its silver chain clinking against the

pped of all warmth. I started packing my own things-my cl

't come hom

in as if nothing was wrong. He wrapped his arms a

e murmured, his v

ume, a scent like nightshade and deceit, clung to his s

ed and pu

sked, his brow furro

ing my voice steady. "Maybe you were right to wait, but... I really

s my full attention. There are rogue threats on the border. And tensio

right time just

buzzed on the counter. He glanced at

is tone clipped. "An emerg

re that felt cold and meaningl

d to the counter. He had been in such a rush, he'd left his ba

th a new message. It

f is restless. He keeps as

stress, the heartbreak-it was all a physical weight pressing down on me. I stum

to my studio. I went to

e I first joined the pack. After a few tests, she c

said, her voice warm. "You're

tted m

lpha will be thrilled.