whispers and judgment. It wasn't a celebration tod

t thin gray dress which showed itself on her like a kind of disgrace. She was s

nudged her forwar

time. Within the hall, Alphas, Betas, she-wolves of stature, were in their plac

eople looked away. Others did

ied to steal the Alph

sn't even look li

wished she might: or that the earth might

lpha Ryder, dignified in his black with silver embroidery. His w

sat behind them,

orward," one

na toward the center of the hall. Sh

she could be seen by everyone. Her gaze was on

ook at her. He wouldn

speak," the

y over her chest. Her voice was shaking, it was fa

ruth. This... girl has tried to come between me and my mate. She used her scent,

Sienna shouted, h

er out. One elder bange

nce,

er to stop. I warned her. But she wouldn't listen. And n

a few she-wolve

ill didn

aid coldly. "This girl has brought nothing but

e room swam around her. She turne

s eyes were cold. Distant. His hands clenche

il whispered am

y been reject

't returned. S

cast out," an

"Let her stay. Let her live under my roof... as a ser

e fell over the room. On

to let her ser

sign of a good Lu

re unbelieva

elled, "on

smashed her on the hind leg and she went down. H

Ryder sai

would remain in the Alpha's mansion not

very couple who

-

servant quarters there was

he made a serious atte

That's wha

in the eye. Mi

you scrub the Luna's underthings well," a she-wolf sneered

attempted but she could not fold the clo

oo slow," the same maid hissed. "You're

still. She wouldn't cry. Not t

-

oing up with towels to the private cham

coming back from running with dark hair wet that curls

r. They b

narrow. Too hot. She turned to wa

enn

till made her knees tre

"You hate me now?

dn't a

held his hand out, and wiped a lock

no choice," he whispe

r throat. His fingers l

might kiss her. She leaned in, barely.

e," he said. "It'l

her standing alone, holding tow

-

a summoned all the ser

till wearing the gray

f everyone, holding he

bol of my title. My power.

he floor. It landed

enna, be useful.

didn'

urned sharp. "W

he room. Sienna looked

ll fours. Like the

rner of her eye, Sienna saw R

gged silently. "

away. The silence broke her more

and crept on. And with an instant of stinging her lips, she opened her

lenched her teeth. And in that breathing space, ther