AlsobyJenniferAshley

ShiftersUnbound

PRIDEMATES

PRIMALBONDS

BODYGUARD

WILDCAT

HARDMATED

MATECLAIMED

LONEWOLF

TIGERMAGIC

FERALHEAT

WILDWOLF

TheMackenzies

THEMADNESSOFLORDIANMACKENZIE

LADYISABELLA’SSCANDALOUSMARRIAGE

THEMANYSINSOFLORDCAMERON

THEDUKE’SPERFECTWIFE

THESEDUCTIONOFELLIOTMCBRIDE

THEUNTAMEDMACKENZIE

THEWICKEDDEEDSOFDANIELMACKENZIE

FeralHeat

ShiftersUnbound

JenniferAshley

NTER

OOKS

ORK

INTERMIXBOOKS

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Version_1

Contents

AlsobyJenniferAshley
TitlePage
Copyright

ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
Epilogue

SpecialExcerptfromWILDWOLF
AbouttheAuthor

ChapterOne

ThefightclubhadmovedsinceJaceWardenhadlastvisitedtheAustin
Shiftertown.TheShiftersusedtomeetfortheirforbiddenboutsinanabandoned
haybarnnestledintofoldsofahill,butthelandhadbeenpurchased,anda
developerhadbuiltoverit.

OnhisborrowedHarley,Jaceturnedfromthediscreetplanethathadflown

himthisfarandheadeddownahighwaythatledtodriercountryawayfromthe
river.Theworldhaddarkenedwhilehe’dflowneastfromNevadatolandatan
airfieldthathadsupposedlybeenclosed.

DylanMorrissey,theAustinShiftertownliaison,hadleftamessageforJaceto

meethimatthefights,andhe’dalsoleftthebikeforJace’stransportation.Tired
andhot,andhavinghauledhimselfhalfwayacrossthecountryatDylan’s
request,thelastthingJacewantedtodowastorideouttothefightclub.But
DylanhadsummonedhimtoworkontheproblemofgettingtheCollarsoff
Shiftersonceandforall,andhadextendedhishospitality,soJacehidhis
irritation,thankedthehumanswhohadhelpedhimgetthisfar,andmountedthe
motorcycle.

Jaceturnedoffwherethedirectionshadinstructed,thepavedroadquickly

turningtodirt,thebikebouncingandskiddingovergravelandthroughruts.The
roadgrewnarrowerandnarrower,untilitpeteredtonothing.Jacecontinued
downashorthillandaroundabend,andfoundtheShifterfightclubbehinda
slightrisethathiditfromtheroad.

Hesmelleditlongbeforehesawtheelectriclanterns,firedancingingarbage

cans,andflashlights.Anythingthatcouldbequicklydousedwasbeingusedto
illuminatethescene.

JacewouldhaveknownitwasaplaceofShifters,eveninthepitch-dark.

Shiftersworkingoffadrenalinerushesandfightinginstinctshadacertain
interesting—andpungent—odor.

Jacekilledtheengineofthebike,parkingitamongthepackofmotorcycles,

pickups,andsmallercars.Hehungthehelmetfromtheseatandmadesurehis
backpackwaswellstashedinthesaddlebagbeforeheapproachedthefightarea.

Hewasn’tworriedaboutShiftersstealinghischangeofclothesandtoothbrush—
Shiftersdidn’tstealfromoneanother,becauseasimplesnatchcouldendupina
fighttothedeath.Possessionswereterritory,andterritorywasrespected.But
humansalsocametothefightclubs,andsomelikedtoabscondwiththings.

Thenewfightingarenawasabroadslabofconcreteaboutahundredfeetlong

andjustaswide.Probablyanoldbuildingoraneventareaofsomekind,
abandonedbyitsownerswhenmoneyranout.Everythinghadbeenpulledaway
excepttheslab.

Ringswereoutlinedbyconcreteblocks,andfirelightflickeredwildly,making

itascenefromhell,completewithdemons.ButthedemonswereonlyShifters
havingfunandworkingoffsteam;thosenotfightingwerecheering,drinking
beer,orfindinghook-ups—humanorShifter—andsneakingintothedarknessto
workoffsteamadifferentway.

Jacemadehiswayaroundcars—afewofthembeingusedforliaisons—and

towardthefirelight.Hedidn’tworryaboutlocatingDylaninthechaos,because
Dylan,aFelineShifterwhowasmostlylion,alwaysmadehimselfknown.

WhatJacedidn’texpectwasthewolfwhosprangoutoftheshadowsina

desertedstretchoftheparkingareaandlandedonJacefullforce.

Jaceswungaroundwiththeimpact,handscominguptodigintothewolf’sfur

andthrowhimdown.TheLupinelandedinthedust,hisCollarsparkingand
sizzling.TheCollar’sshocksdidn’tslowthewolfmuch,becauseherolledtohis
feetandchargedJaceagain.

Jacedidn’tknowwhothehellthewolfwas.Notthathehadmuchofachance

ofidentificationastheLupinelandedonJaceagain,hisCollar’ssparksburning
Jace’sskin.ThewolfwentforJace’sthroat,andJace’shandsturnedtoleopard’s
pawstorakeacrossthewolf’sface.Thewolftooktheblow,landedonhisfeet,
shookhimself,andsprangagain.

Jace’sCollarhadn’tshockedhimyet,buthefeltthebuild-up.Collarswere

madetospikepainintoShiftersassoonastheybecameseriouslyviolent,but
JacehadlearnedtechniquestofooltheCollarandkeepitdormant.Itwastough
todo,however,especiallywhenhewastakenbysurprise.Jacehadtofocusin
ordertokeeptheCollarquiet,andrightnowhewasbusytryingtokeepthis
bloodyLupinefromkillinghim.

Jacewhackedthewolfasideagain,spinningaroundasheshedhisdenim

jacketandhalfshiftedtohiswildcat.Hisshirtsplit,jeansfallingashisbacklegs
elongatedintopowerfulfelinehaunches.Heemergedfromhisshreddingclothes
asafullyformedsnowleopard—creamyfur,blackspots,iceblueeyes—and
thoroughlypissedoff.

Jacewentforthewolf.Thewolfwasbigger,almosttwiceJace’sbulk,but

leopardshadn’tmadeittothetopofthewildcatpyramidbecauseofsize.
Leopardsmightbeamongthesmallerbigcats,buttheywereswift,agile,and
smart,andtheydidn’ttakeshitfromanyone.

Thiswolfwantedtogivehimshit,though.HecameatJaceagain,furup,his

caninejowlsfrothing,hisgoldeneyesfilledwithrage.ThescentthathitJace
reekedofchallenge.Thiswasawolfwhowantedtomoveupinrank,never
mindthatJacewasadifferentspeciesandnotevenfromthisShiftertown.
Dominancechallengesweren’tallowedinsidetheringatthefightclub;oneof
thebiggestruleswasthatfightswereforrecreationandshowingoff—that,and
nokilling.Outsidetheringwasadifferentstory.

Jacegotreadytoteachhimalesson.
Ashedrewbacktorenewhisattack,anotherwolfsprangfromtheparkinglot

andhurleditselfatthefirstwolf.Afemale,Jacescented,onehehadn’tmet
before.

Shewasn’trushingtodefendthewolf,however.SheattackedtheLupinein

fury,teethbared,nearmadnessinhereyes.

ThefirstLupineswungtomeether,andthetwowentdowninanexplosionof

furandsnarls.Jacesatbacktocatchhisbreath,surprised.Thetwowolveswere
evenlymatched,themaleabitlargerthanthefemale,butthefemalewasplenty
strongandagile.Probablydominanttothemaletoo.

Jaceletthefemalegetherfirstangeroutofhersystem,thenhewadedbackin

torescuehisrescuer.

ThemaleLupinehadtheshe-wolfonthegroundbynow.Hepinnedthe

femalewithonebigpaw,snarlingasheturnedtoJace.

Jacegavehimawarninggrowl.Thegrowlsaidthat,upuntilnow,Jacehad

beenholdingback;thatJacewasdominantinhispride,hisclan,andhis
Shiftertown;andthewolfmightwanttothinkaboutitbeforecontinuingthe
fight.

TheLupineignoredthewarningandwentforthekill.Jacemethimhead-on,

hislithebodyandfastpawstakingthewolfdowntothegroundbeforethe
Lupinecouldusehissuperiorweighttohisadvantage.

Theshe-wolfrosebehindthemale,landedonthewolf’sback,andsankher

teethintohisneck.HerCollarwassparkingfrantically,andshegothitbythe
arcsfromtheotherwolf’sCollar,butshekeptbiting.

Jacedrewbackhispawandwhackedthemalewolfacrossthethroat.The

wolfspunwiththeblow,knockingthefemaleloose.ThemaleLupinerolled
acrossthedustanddyinggrassalongwaybeforehewasabletostop.Herighted
himselfbutstayeddownonhisbelly,pantinghard,concedingthefight.

Jacewalkedtohimwithastiff-leggedFelinestalk.Whenhereachedthe

Lupine,heloweredhisheadtothewolf’seyelevelandgrowledagain.Staythe
fuckdown.

WhetherornottheLupineunderstoodFelinerumblesandbodylanguage,

Jace’sglaremusthavegottenthemessageacross.Thewolfsnarled,teethbared,
butheplasteredhisearsflatonhisheadanddidn’tmove.

Jaceturnedbacktotheshe-wolf.Shelaylimplyonthegrass,andJacewentto

her,givingheracat’slickacrossherface.Shegrowledsoftly,andJacelicked
heragain,feelinganeedtothankandreassureher.

Theneeddidn’tleavehimwhenheshiftedbacktohuman.Hestrokedher

head,likingthewiryfurofherwolf.

Thefemalewolflookedupathiminawashofconfusion.Shewasagray

wolf,withgrayeyes.ShebreathedinJace’sscent,wrinklinghernose,clearly
wonderingwhohewas.

Jacegaveherheadanotherstroke,wishingshe’dturnbacktohumansohe

couldtalktoher.She’druntohisrescue,aLupinetakingthesideofaFeline,
andJacewantedtoknowwhy.

Theshe-wolfremainedwolf,stillgrowlingsoftly.Jacetouchedherheadone

lasttimeandwalkedbacktothemalewolf.“Newwayofgreetingguestsin
Shiftertown?”heasked.“Letmeintroducemyself.I’mJaceWarden.Aguestof
Dylan’s.”

Jaceknewhedidn’tneedtoexplainthathisownfatherwasleaderofanother

Shiftertown.ThefactthatDylansanctionedJace’svisitshouldbeenoughfor
thiswolf.

Thewolfmorphedintohishumanform,amanwithshortblackhairandlight

grayeyes.“Hey,IsawastrangeFelinetryingtosneakintothefightclubwhen
hewasn’tinvited,andwhennoonebutregularsaresupposedtoknowaboutthe
newplace.Whatdidyouexpect?”

“SoyouweredefendingalltheShiftershere?”Jaceaskedwithevident

skepticism.“Commendable.”

“Askthatcrazybitchwhatshewasdoing,”theLupinesaid,scowlingatthe

she-wolf.“Nurturingfemales,myass.She’sallspitandvinegar.”

“Letmeguess.”Jacefeltmirth.“Sheturneddownyourmate-claim.”
TheLupinegaveJaceanincredulouslook.“Iwouldn’tmate-claimher.Notif

shewerethelastfemaleinShiftertown.She’soutofhermind.Youcannevertell
whatshe’sgoingtodo.”Themanmadeabroadgestureinherdirection.“You
sawher.”

“Ithoughtitwasniceofhertohelpmeout.”
“Nah,shesawafight,itsparkedherloonyside,andshedovein.Lookather.

She’snotevensurewhathappened.”

Jaceturnedhisgazetotheshe-wolfagainandsawthatthemanwasright.She

watchedJaceandtheLupine,tremblingbuttryingtohideitwithagrowlanda
glare.Jacesawfearinhereyesalongwithdeepanger—awomanhurtingfrom
somethingandnotwantinganyoneelsetoknowit.

“IkeeptryingtotellLiamsheshouldbeputdown,”theLupinesaid.“She’sa

dangertotherestofus.”

Theshe-wolfsnarledagain.ScentandbodylanguagetoldJacewhathe

neededtoknow—thefemalewasdominantbutofadifferentclanthanthemale
wolf;themalewasaggressive,cocky,andhatedtobebested.Themalewolf
wouldbedominantinhisclanaswell.Jaceoutrankedbothofthem,though.

Jacelookedintotheotherman’seyes.“Whydon’tyoushutyourhole,get

dressed,andgothehellhome?You’retoounstabletobeheretonight.”

ThemantriedtomeetJace’sgaze.Hedidprettywell,butintheendhadto

slidehiseyessideways.“What,youwantsomeprivacywithher?Don’tsayI
didn’twarnyou.”

“Justgo,”Jacesaid.
Thewolfsnorted.“Whatever.”Heclimbedtohisfeetandstrolledaway,not

worriedthathewasnaked.

Thefighthadn’tattractedanyattention.Asuddenroarofvoiceswithinthe

arenatoldJacewhy—theremustbeanintensematchgoingdown.Thehuman
voiceswereaccompaniedbyroarsandgrowls,sincehalfthewatcherswouldbe
inanimalform.

Jaceretrievedhistornclothing,gruntinginirritation.He’donlybroughttwo

changesofclothes,thinkinghewouldn’tbeinAustinthatlong.

Thejeanshadescapedtheworstoftheshredding,andhepulledthemon,the

rippedseamsstretchingashecroucheddowntolookattheshe-wolfagain.

“Youallright?”heaskedher.“Whowasthatasshole?”
Thedisgustinhisquestionreachedpasttheferalfearinhereyes.Hesaw

clarityreturn,andthenthewolfshiftedintoafemalewithalush,lovelybody,
close-cutwheat-coloredhair,andlargegrayeyes.

Sheremainedinacrouch,coveringherself,butJace’sgazetracedthecurveof

heramplebreasts,hisnaturalneedrising.She’dbeworthsneakingoffintothe
darknesswith,maybehavingabouncewithinthebedofapickup.

No,she’dbeworthmorethanthat.Thiswasn’taladyJacewoulduseto

relievehorninessandthenforget.Notwiththatgorgeousgazepinninghimflat.

“Hisname’sBroderick,”shesaidinavoiceJacewantedtoembrace.“He

usuallywinsAssholeoftheMontharoundhere.”

“Nodoubt.Whatdidyoujumpinfor?He’srightaboutonething—itwasa

crazythingtodo.Twomaleswiththeirbloodupcouldhavehurtyou.”

“Isawhimbestingyou.NoonedeservestobepoundedbyBroderickforno

reason.”

“Hewasn’tbestingme,”Jacesaid,givingheragrin.“Ihadhim.Andthenhe

startedkickingyourass.”

Shefrowned.“Oh,please.Iwasafewbitesawayfrommakinghimcrawl

awaywhimpering.”

AsJacehoped,hisneedlingmadeherirritationeraseherfearandpain.“Not

tomention,yourCollarwasgoingoff,”Jacesaid.“Areyousureyou’reall
right?”

Heplacedhishandonthesideofherneck,overtheCollarinquestion.

Ordinarily,Jacewouldn’ttouchuninvited,especiallynotcross-species,but
somethinginthiswomancriedouttohim.Sheneededsoothing.

Hereyeswidenedalittle,butshedidn’tjerkaway.“Whataboutyou?Your

Collardidn’tgooff.Youcandampenitseffect,can’tyou?LikeLiamdoes?”

Jacelethisfingerscaressherneckashechosehiswords.“That’snot

supposedtobecommonknowledge.Need-to-knowbasis.”

“MaybeIneedtoknow.Dylan’stryingtoteachme,butIcan’tdoityet.”
“Inthatcase,I’llgiveyousomepointers.”JacetracedherCollartothefront,

pausingwhenhisfingersrestedonitsCelticcrosslyingagainstherthroat.“But
I’dbetterfindDylanandtellhimI’mherebeforethepaybackforcontrollingmy
Collarhitsme.”

“Dylan’sfightingrightnow,”thewomansaid.“Hisboutsarealwayspopular.

Butshort.Heshouldbedonesoon.”

Jaceplacedhishandonhers.Hewantedtokeeptouchingthiswomanfor

somereason,asthoughbreakingcontactwithherwouldlessenhimsomehow.
“Comewithme.We’llwatchhimwintogether.”

“No.”Thewomanstartedtorise,andJaceunfoldedhimselfandhelpedherto

herfeet.Shedidn’thideherselfanymore,aShifterwomanunembarrassedbyher
body.“Ihavetogo.AreyouJace?You’vebeentoShiftertownbefore,haven’t
you?”

“Yeah,butwhyhaven’tImetyou?”Jacestilldidn’twanttoreleaseherhand.

“I’vemadelotsoftripsouthere,butIdon’trememberseeingyou.”

“I’vebeen...sick,”shesaid.“I’mDeni.DeniRowe.”
Deniwatchedhimanxiously,asthoughgauginghisreactiontothename.

“EllisonRowe’ssister?”Jaceasked.

“Yes.”Denistillpeeredathim,waiting.
Jacetightenedhishandonhers.“Whydoyouhavetogo?Staywithmeand

watchDylankickass.YoucankeepotherLupinesfromjumpingme.”

Denididn’tsmile.Sheglancedatthearenaandthemassoffiguresthere,and

Jacescentedhernervousness.“Ican’t.Sometimesthefighting...”

“Callstotheferalinyou?Makesyoulosecontrol?”
Shegavehimastartledlook.“Howdidyouknowthat?”
“BecauseIsawyoureyeswhenyouattackedBroderick.Youdidn’tdiveinto

thefightonlytorescueme.Youdiditbecausewatchingmadeyouwanttofight
too.IwaslikethatduringmyTransition.”Jacecaressedthehandhehadn’t
released.“Allyouhavetodoisholdontosomeone.Thetouchwillcalmyou
andkeepyoutethered.”

Anotherstartledlook.“Thatdoesn’twork.Evenmycubs...”
“Betme,”Jacesaid.“Youhangontoadominant,andhetakestheheatand

coolsyoudown.Works.That’swhatdominantsarefor.”

AsparkofpridereturnedtoDeni’seyes.“Andyou’resayingyou’redominant

tome?”

“Yep.It’sobvious.YououtrankBroderick—Ibetyououtrankalotofwolves

—butyou’renotdominanttothisFeline.”Hetouchedhischest.

Shegavehimahalfsmile.“Andyou’renotfullofyourselfaboutthat.”
“Juststatingfacts.”Jacedidnotwanttoletgoofherhand.“Let’sfindyour

clothesandgo.Unlessyouwanttowatchaswolf.”

Denisenthimanotherhaughtylookthatmadehereyesbeautiful,butshe

didn’tpullaway.“I’llfindmyclothes.”

“Good.”
Jacelefthisshreddedshirtbehind—whybotherwithit?—butcaughtuphis

jacketandfollowedherintothedarkness,herhandonhislikealifeline.A
warm,sweetlifeline.HedefinitelywantedtoknowthisLupinewomanbetter.

***

Deni’sheartbeatswiftlyasshepulledonthesarongshe’dthrownofftorush
intothefightwithBroderick.Broderick’sscentofarrogancehadenragedher,
andshe’dwantedtopummelhimforjumpingtheotherShifterwithout
challenge.

Thenshe’dfelthermemoryslideaway,theferalthinginsidehertakingover.

Sheshivered.Herwildnesshadn’trecededuntilJacehadsmackedthewolf
downhimself,andDenihadfallenawayfromthefight.

Jacehadn’tthenturnedaroundandkickedherbutt,ashe’dhadarighttofor

interfering.Insteadhe’dtouchedher,lickedherwithhisstrangeFeline
sandpaperytongue,thenheldherhandaftershe’dchangedbacktohuman.

Deniwasstillshakyastheyenteredthefightclub’smainarea.Jacekepthold

ofherhand.Itwasabighand,warmbutcallused,hisgripstrong.Hewasa
fighter,awarrior.

IfDenirememberedright,JaceWardenwasthesonofEricWarden,leaderof

theLasVegasShiftertown.Jacewasthirdincommandthere,thesecondin
commandbeingEric’ssister.JacewouldbeinthemostdominantFelineclanof
hisShiftertown,andinthemostdominantFelineprideofthatclan.Thetopof
thetop.

AlphasusuallybuggedDeni,becausetheycouldbearrogantshits,butonly

concernandprotectionflowedfromJace.Analphainterestedintakingcareof
others.Whataconcept.

Thebiggestcrowdgatheredaroundthecentralring—theothertworingswere

empty.Fromthroats,beastandhuman,camewildcries,delightinwhoeverwas
winning,groaningfromthosefoolishenoughnottobackDylan.

Jacemovedthroughthethrongtothering.Shiftersmovedasideforhim,most

withoutnoticingtheydidso.Instinct,Deniguessed—sensingthattheyshould
getoutofJace’swaybeforehemadeitanorder.

Alargemanstoodattheperimeterofthering,armsfolded,theSwordofthe

Guardianonhisback.Denialwaysfeltafrissonofdreadwhenshesawthe
sword,whosepurposewastobedriventhroughtheheartsofdeadordying
Shifters.Theswordpiercedtheheart,andtheShifterturnedtodust,hisorher
soulfollowingthepathwaytotheSummerland.

Theswordshimmeredalittleintheflickeringlight.OtherShiftersgavethe

Guardianawideberth,alsouncomfortablewithhim.KindofhardonSean,Deni
alwaysthought,butSeanhadbeenmuchlesshauntedsincehe’dtakenamate.

AhumanwomanstoodnexttoSean—nothismate.Shewasthescrappy

womanwho’dtiedherselftoRonan,aKodiakbear,whowasevennowinthe
ring,fightingDylan.Thewoman—Elizabeth—dancedontopofthecement
blocks,cheeringforRonanatthetopofherlungs.

SeanwouldbestandingassecondforDylan,hisfather.Asecond’sjobwasto

makesurethatnooneinterferedwiththefightandthattheothersidedidn’t
cheat.DylanandRonanwouldgoforafair,straightfight,butotherShifters
couldbecunning.Thesecondswerethereforareason.

Dylanwastheblack-manedlionsnarlinginthemiddleofthering,hispaws

movinglightningfastashebattledthebiggerbulkoftheKodiak.Ronanwas
fullyshiftedtobear,hisruffstandingup,hiseyesalightwithfightingfury.
Ronan’sCollarsparkeddeepintohisfur,butDylan’swasquiet.

“Unfairadvantage,”JacesaidintoDeni’sear.“Dylanknowshowtokeephis

Collarfromgoingoff.”

DenihadtoturnherheadandstandontiptoetoanswerintoJace’sear.His

handinherswaswarm,andsheleanedclose.“That’swhyheonlyfightsthe
strongest:Ronan,orSpike,who’sthechampion.SometimesDylanletshis
Collargooffonpurpose,tokeepthingsinteresting.”

“Butheusuallywinsanyway,”Jacefinished.
Hehadarumblingbaritonethattickledinsideherear,hishotbreathmaking

Denitingleevenmore.Shesqueezedhisfingersalittle,andwasrewardedwith
anansweringsqueeze.

Ronanroared.HisCollarwassparking,hismateyellingherencouragement,

butDenisawherworry.Thesematchesweren’ttothedeath,butShifterscould
bebadlyhurtinthem.

DenicouldscentandsenseElizabeth’sexcitementtingedwithfear.Shealso

caughtSean’stensenessashewatchedhisfatherbattle.Ifsomethingwent
wrong,ifoneoftheShifterswashurtsomuchtheGuardianwasneeded,Sean
wouldhavetoplungehisswordintotheheartofeitherhisfatherorhisclose
friend.

Denicaughthissorrow—Seanhadhadtosendoneofhisbrotherstodusta

dozenyearsago—whichlacedthroughthesorrowinherownheart.Deniwished
hercubswerehere,herboys,buttheywereworkingattheirjobsinthecity,
earningwhatlittlemoneyShifterswereallowedtoearn.

DylanbackedawayfromRonan’sonslaught,earsflatonhishead.Hedidn’t

roar—Dylan’sroarcouldshakeapartthetown—buthisgrowlsfilledthespace.

ThesoundcaughtinDeni’snerves,callingtotheferalinsideher.AllShifters

hadtheinstincttothrowoffanypolishofcivilization,toreverttotheirwild
forms,toreturntothetimewhenthey’dbeenbredtofightandhunt.Evenaftera
thousandandmoreyears,Shiftersretainedthesamebasicinstincts—fightorbe
killed,huntorbehunted.

Shiftershadcomeupwithstrictrulesmadetotametheirinnerbeasts.Tokeep

themselvesfromtearingeachotherapartafterthey’dfoughtfreeoftheirFae
masters,Shiftershadagreedtocertainritualsthatmustbeperformedinregardto
mating,fighting,andevendeath.Takethoseaway,andtheyweresimplyanimals
whocouldmakethemselveslookhuman.

Deni’smotorcycleaccidentlastyearhadrobbedheroftheveneerofcalm

Shiftersstrivedtolearn.ThewreckmusthavejarredsomethinglooseinDeni’s
brain,becauseshe’dbeenfightingherinstinctseversince,oftenlosing.
Knowingthebastardwho’drunherdownwasdeadhadhelpedherbegintoheal,
butshewasn’tthereyet.

Inthemidstofthegrowls,snarls,roars,andcheers,withthescentofblood

andsweatpouringfromthering,Deni’sthoughtsbegantotangle.Herscent

senseheightened,bringingintheexcitementoftheShifters,thebloodlustin
Dylan,thesinged-fursmellfromthesparkingCollars,thestrongmalescentof
JaceWardennexttoher.

SheprobablywouldhavebeenallrightwithJace’scalminghandinhers,if

thefightingShiftershadbeenanyoneelse,butDylanhadapowerfulShifter
presence.Beingalphadidn’tsimplymeanwinningfightsandscaringShifters
intosubmission.ItwasanindefinablesomethingabouttheShifter—scent,
timbreofvoice,subtlecompulsiontofollowthismale.Inanimalform,itwas
moreapparent,andDylanwasbroadcastinghisforceloudandclear.

Sincetheaccident,Denihadbeenabletouseheranimalsensesfullyinher

humanform.AllShiftersretainedsomeoftheirsuperiorsensesofhearing,
scenting,andtrackingabilitywhenhuman,buttheyweremuted,distant,ableto
bepushedasidesotheShiftercouldliveashumanwithoutgoingcrazy.

NotsoforDeni.Shehadtoconstantlyfightherselfnottoshift,attack,oreven

killwhenshewasconfused,afraid,orangry.Goingferalwastheterm.Her
Collartriedtoshocksenseintoher,butthatonlyresultedinmorepain,more
confusion,moreanger.

DenismelledDylan’sfightingblood,whichannouncedtoeveryonetherehe

wasfarstrongerandmeanerthanthegiantbearhebattled.Ronancontinued
swinginghisenormouspaws,landingblowsonthesmallerlion.Dylan’slithe
bodymovedandflowedwiththehitsthatwouldhavecrushedanyShifterwho’d
stoodstillandtakenthem.Dylan’slion’spawsmovedinaflurry,battingback
thebearwiththeswift,manicstrengthofacat.

Deni’swolfhowledtolife.Shewantedtoleapintothering,rushtoDylan’s

side,andhelphimfight.Hewasheralpha—he’dbeenleaderofallShiftersfora
longtimebeforeconcedinghispositiontohisson.RonanwaslesserthanDeni,
andhedaredtoconfrontDylan.NowRonanmustpay.

Deniclenchedherfreehandintoafist,jawsotightitached.Sheshouldn’tbe

here—sheshouldhavegonehomeandnotletthecompellingJacetalkherinto
watchingthebattle.Shenowwantedmorethananythingtobreakalltherulesof
thefightclubandrunintothering.Ronanwouldknockhersenselessbeforehe
couldstophimself,butherwolfdidn’tcare.Thebearneededtogodown.

Denistartedtogrowl,thesoundrisinginherthroat.HerCollarsnappeda

sparkintoher,butshedidn’tstop.Shecouldn’tstop.Andthatterrifiedhermost
ofall.

“Hey,”adeepvoiceinherearrumbled.“Holdittogether.”
Jace.Hiswarmthcoveredherside,hissterncommandreachingherinner

beastandstillingtheneedtoshift.Denirealizedherfingershadalreadychanged
towolfclaws,andfurranfromherheaddownherback,whichwasbaredbythe

sarong.

Jacedidn’tletgoofherhand,thoughshefeltherclawspiercehisskin.Heran

hisotherhand,warmandbroad-palmed,upanddownherback,whichreturned
tohumansmoothness.

“Wanttogo?”heaskedher.
Deninodded.Shecouldn’tseemuchanymore—thefiresandlanternsblurred

intoonewhirlinglight,theshoutsandgrowlsblendingintoamassofanimal
sound.

Jacetuggedheraway,againbecomingthelifelinethatdrewherthroughthe

crowd.Inthehowling,swirlingmadness,Jacewasaconstant,hiswarmth
pullingheronward.

Hetookherintotheparkinglot,turningherawayfromthelights.Oncethe

coolnightairtouchedher,darknesserasingthemaddeninglights,Denidrewa
longbreath.Herfurandclawsreceded,leavingheronherhumanfeet,shaking.

“Ishouldn’thavedonethat,”Jacewassayingastheythreadedtheirway

throughparkedvehicles.Sheheardhisvoicebutdidn’tpaymuchattentiontothe
words.“Ishouldn’thavetakenyouinthere.Ididn’trealizeitwasthatbad.”

“It’sbad,”Denisaid,nodding.Shewasn’tconcentratingonherwordseither.

“Ishouldhavestayedhometonight,butIneeded...”Sheshivered.“Idon’t
knowwhatIneeded.”

Nottrue.Denihadneededescape,life,nothidinginthedark.Hersonshad

gonetowork,Ellisonhadtakenhismate,Maria,outfordinnerandprobably
sex,andtherestofShiftertownhademptiedtoattendthefightclub.Sitathome
andmopeorgooutandbewithherfriendsandneighbors?She’dbeentiredof
moping,sohereshewas.

Deni’suncontrolledinstinctswerepunishinghernow.Jacehadknowntotake

heroutoftherebeforeshedidsomethingstupid,butthewildnessinherdidn’t
calm.Itneededrelease.

Deni’swolfneededtofight,tohunt,tokill.Robbedofthat,theshe-wolfin

herwantedthenearestthingtoit.

SheswungtoJace,hisscentfillingher,hisstrengthcallingtoher.Hewas

solid,strong,alpha,male,andhewasherewithherinthedark.Shecouldn’t
havestoppedherselfevenifshe’dwantedto.

DenislammedbothhandstoJace’schest.Hecaughtherwithastronggripbut

fellagainstthesideofapickup,carryingherbackwithhim.Hehadamusky
malescent,alittlewild,likethewoodsonamoonlitnight.Themoonwashigh
andfulltonight,alwaysirresistibletoawolf.

Jace’seyeswereunusual,jadegreen,thecolorheightenedbyhistannedface

andbrownblackhairhe’dbuzzedshort.Hewaslargetoo,butagileandathletic.

Hewatchedher,notshovingheraway,notangry.Justwatching.
Anothersurgeofsoundcamefromthearena,humanandanimalcryingoutfor

blood.Denisnarled,pinnedJaceagainstthetruck,andkissedhimhardonthe
mouth.

ChapterTwo

Jacefoundhimselfwithhisarmsfullofgorgeouswoman.Ahungrygorgeous
woman.Herkisspushedhimflatagainstthetruck,theridgesofitsdoordigging
intohisback.

Againsthisfront,hefeltnothingbutsoftwoman—breasts,hands,thighs.

Deni’smouthwasalloverhis,lipsseeking,tongueswipingintohismouth,
givinghimatasteofspiceandwildness.

Jacetoldhimselftopushheraway,buthecuppedherwaistandendedup

dragginghercloser.Anotherroarcamefromthearena,galvanizingher,winding
upJace’sheatinresponse.

Thesarongbaredmuchofherflesh—thegarmentclaspedatoneshoulderand

wrappedherhips,leavingDeni’sneck,arms,andmostofherbackbare.Her
warmskinwassilkenunderJace’sfingers,curveslush.Afull-bodiedShifter
woman.

Deniwastall,asShifterwomenwere,butJacewastaller.Hescoopedherinto

him,likinghowshefitagainsthim.Herbuttockswereahandful,herbreaststhe
bestcushions.

Heopenedhismouthtohers,welcominghergreedykisses.Shewashotinhis

arms,shesmelledgood,andherhairwassilkenagainsthisskin.

Itwasexcitinganderotic,pullingawomanhe’djustmetintohisarms,the

twoofthemwoundupfromthefighting,wantingtorelievethemselvesinthe
shadowswithfervent,hardsex.Herbodyrubbedhishard-on,tinglingraw
pleasurethroughhim.SomeShifterswerealreadyscratchingtheiritchestonight
inthisparkinglot,withhumansorotherShifters.Bythesoundsandscents,they
wereatitincarsorintheshadowsbeyond.Frantic,basiccoupling.

Denigropedforthebuttonofhisjeans,fingersslidingalongthezipper.Ina

fewseconds,she’dhavehishotcockinherhands,andhe’dbedonefor.

“Nothere,”Jacemanagedtosay.Hehadjustenoughpresenceofmindtonot

wanttobecaughtbangingEllisonRowe’ssisterupagainstthesideofaShifter’s
pickup.Afewstepsandthey’dbeindeepshadow,onhardTexasearth.

Deninodded,hereyesthelightgrayofherwolf.Jaceswungheroffherfeet

andranwithherbeyondthecircleoflight.

Hedidn’tbothertryingtofindasoftplacetoliedowninthedarkness.Jace

couldholdthebothofthemup—hewasplentystrong.Onetugofstringsandthe
sarongfell,baringhertohim.Jaceburiedhisnoseinherneckashenippedher
flesh.Helovedhowshesmelled.Feminine,strong,beautiful.

Denimanagedtogethisjeansopen.Jaceletthemslitherdownhislegs,then

hisunderwearfollowed.Heliftedher,cradlingherhips,andsheslidstraight
ontohim.

Hereyeswidened.Beautifulsilverwhiteeyes,moonlighteyes.Jacecaught

herheadwithonehand,lovingthefeelofherhairagainsthisfingers,andhe
kissedher.

Hot,amazingwomanwrappedaroundhim,ashungryashewas.Jacewas

deepinsideher,thepenetrationsatisfying,fillinghimupasmuchashefilled
her.

Denimoanedalittleagainsthismouth.Jacereleasedherfromthekiss,buthe

wantedtogoonkissingher,hermouthhot.Goddess,howluckywashethat
she’druntojoininhisfight?

Jacethrustwhatlittlehecould,liftingherwithhandsunderherbuttocksand

loweringherontohimagaininsmall,swiftjerks.Theywerebothmakingnoises
now,andnotbeingquiet.AnyonepassingwouldknowtwoShifterswerefinding
reliefouthereinthedark.

Thiswasraw,roughsex.Nofinesse,noromance.Justamanandawoman

doingwhattheGoddesshadmadethemtodo.Cometogether,join,mate,create.

“Jace.”
Denicriedhisname,thenherheadwentback,passionmakingherincoherent.

Jaceheldontoher,takingtheircombinedweightonhisplantedfeet,rockingto
seekmoreandmoreofher.

Hegatheredherhardagainsthim,feelinghisseedbuildinitsneedtoreach

her.ShifterswantedmorethananythingtomakemoreShifters,andJace’sbody
knewit.Instinct,desire,whateverhewantedtocallit.Ittookover,andhe
couldn’tfightit.

“Sonofabitch,”hewhisperedashisclimaxhithim,harderthananyhe’dhad

inhislife.Hefelthisseedgoandfelthertakeit,heardhisownshoutsdrowned
inhersandanother,finalvictoryroarfromthearena.

Jaceshuddered,whateverthehellhesaidlosttothenight.Deniclungtohim,

hergaspsofpleasurenotmuffled.Shehungontohimuntilthelastthrust,and
thenJacesimplyheldher,wonderingthathe’dfoundsomethingsobeautifulso
unexpectedly.

Hisbodywasstillcrazedwithneed.Hefelthiscockriseagain,notthatithad

deflatedmuch.

Oh,hellno.Jacewascrawlingwithheat,desirerampagingthroughhisbody.

Hethoughthe’dbesatedwithaquickcoupling—thatbothofthemwouldbe
sated.

ButtheShifterinhimhadotherideas.Mate.Take.Mine.“Sonofabitch,”he

whisperedagain.

Thiswasnotthetimeformatingfrenzy—thatbasicShifterneedtotakea

matesomeplacesafewheretheycouldscrewfordays.Anddays.Weeks,even
monthsifneedbe.Nottocomeoutuntiltheywerebothhalf-starvedand
exhausted,andthefemalewasplumpwithcubs.

Shifterscouldfollowtheirrituals,ceremonies,laws,protocol—whateverthey

calleditthiscentury—butthetruthwasthatthematingfrenzycouldstillgrab
thembytheballsatanytimeandnotletthemgo.

ThewomaninJace’sarmshadawakenedhisfrenzyasnootherfemalehad

before.Thiswascrazy.Jacehadonlyjustmether—hehadn’tknownhermore
thananhour.

Thematingfrenzydidn’tcare.
Witheffort,Jacemadehimselfloosenhisholdonher.Atleasthecouldgive

Denithechancetorun.

ThenIcanhunther,theleopardinhimsaidwithglee.Chaseher.Catchher.

Makehermine.

Hewassoscrewed.
Denigasped.Jacehadn’tbeenabletolookawayfromher,herlighthairand

faceapalesmudgeinthedarkness,butnowhereyeswereroundwithfearasshe
gazedoffatsomethingbehindhim.Jaceturnedhisheadtoseewhathadcaught
herworry,andhisownbreathconstricted.

Acrosstheflatplainbehindthearena,aboutamileawayJacewouldguess,

camelights.Flashinglights—redandblue—andthewhitepulsesofheadlights.
Atonofthem,sirensblaring,allheadingtowardthearena.

***

“Shit.”Jacesnarledandgrabbedathisjeans,zippingthemasDenigropedfor
herfallensarong.Shewrappedtheclotharoundherself,fasteningitquickly,her
heartpounding.

Humanpolicepouredtowardthem,racingfortheShifters’veryillegalfight

club.Notgood.Notgoodatall.

EvenasJacepulledonhisdenimjacketandstartedatarunforthearena,

Denifollowing,herbodythrummedwithelation.Forayearnow,she’dbeen
walkingaroundinahalf-awarestate,butatthismoment,inspiteofthe
imminentdanger,shewasalive.

Shewasalittleembarrassedshe’dgrabbedJacelikethat,barelyableto

controlhermatingurge,butdearGodandGoddess,he’dtakenherinastorm.
Deniwasn’tastrangertocasualsex—Shiftersoftenneededtoburnoffsteam—
butthisencounterwentbeyondinintensityanythingshe’dexperiencedbefore.

Denicouldn’tstopwatchingJace’slithebodyasheran,thegraceofhis

wildcatevidenteveninhishumanform.Hesmelledoftheroad,ofTexasdust,
ofhimself,andnowofwhatthey’ddonetogether.ThecombinationmadeDeni
wanttocatchhim,throwhimdown,andflingherselfontopofhim.Shewas
shameless,buthewasbeautiful,virile,andstrong,andDeniwantedhimwitha
mindlessnessthatunnervedher.Eventhestringoflightsandsirenscouldn’t
dampenherneed.

DenisprintedintothearenaalongsideJacetofindthatDylan’smatchhad

finished,thoughthenoisehadn’tmuchlessened.Ronanwassittingheavilyona
bench,humanagain,breathinghardandlookingrueful.Hismatewaswipinghis
nakedbodywithatowel,givinghimit’s-all-right-I-still-love-youcaresses.

Dylantookhistriumphinstride,butquietly,withoutgloating.Hismate,on

theotherhand,atallblondenamedGlory,watchedDylanadmiringly,hergaze
rovingDylan’shonedbody.Sheopenedhermouth,probablytoboastthather
matewasundefeatable,butJace’svoicecutoverthedin.

“Cops!”heboomed.“Coming.Now!”
TheShifterswho’dbeencelebrating,orgrumblingaboutRonan’sloss,came

alert.Shiftersstopped,jerkedaround,staredatJaceorgazedbeyondhim.
Stillness,silence,andanimalwarinesstookover,erasinganythinghumanabout
them.

ThenoneoftheShiftersyelled,“Gotoground!”andthearenaeruptedagain

intonoise.

“No!”Jacebellowedoverthemall.“Stop!”
ThepowerofhisvoicesentahushripplingacrosstheShiftersagain.Jacehad

thecompellingpresenceofaleader,Deninotedwithadmiration,theabilityto
makeothersstandstillandlisten,nomatterhowdirethesituation.

Jacehadhishandsup.“Ifwerun,theychase,”hesaid,hiswordscarrying

acrossthearena.“Theslowestwillbecaught.”

TheShifters’uneasedidn’tlessen,Denisaw,andthesmelloffearwashigh.

Theywantedtoflee,anddamntheconsequences.

“Thelad’sright,”Dylansaid.Inspiteofhisbruisedandabradedbody,he

stoodupright,hisblueeyeshot.“Noonegetstaken.Westand.”

“Thenweallgetarrested,”someoneelseshouted.
Noonemoved,though.Theywouldn’tignoreDylan.
“No,wewon’t,”Denisaid.Shesteppedupontooneofthecementblocks,

usingJace’sshouldertosteadyherself.“They’regoingtofindus—notimetoget
away.Butwecandecidewhattheyfind.Ihaveanidea.”

Inafewbriefsentences,Denioutlinedwhatshehadinmind.Thehumans

lookedbewildered,butShifterfacesbegantorelax,smilesstartingtotakethe
placeoffear.

“You’recunning,sweetheart,”Jacesaid.Hishandonherbackwaswarmas

heslantedheragrin.“Anythingyou’renotgoodat?”

Deniwenthotallover,herfaceflamingashiseyessparkled.Shewasn’tsure

whattheconsequenceswouldbeofhercrazedmatingintheparkinglotwith
Jace,butthelookhewasgivinghermadeherdecidethatlosingcontrolhadbeen
worthit.

“Youheardher,”Dylansaid.“Thisiswhatwedo.”
Shiftersbrokeoff,organizingthemselvesasonlyShifterscouldwhentheneed

wasuponthem.Thepolicecarsandlightscamenearer,sirenscuttingtheair.
Denistillsenseddeepfear,thehumansbarelycontainingit,theShiftersstriving
tosuppressit.

Thewavesofpaniccaughther,jarringDeni’salready-heightenednerves.The

wolfinhergrowled,wantingtoshift,toconfrontherenemiesandmakethem
run.Tochasethemifneedbeandbringthemdown.

Deniclenchedherhands,shuddering,abeadofsweatrunningdownherback.

Damnit.Ifshelostitnow,she’dcondemnthemall.

Acomfortingtouchwarmedhershoulder.“Easy,”Jacesaid,hisbreathinher

ear.

Hewasleaningclose,hisbodyheatwrappingaroundher,hisscentrelaxing

thetightnessinsideher.Deni’sfeareasedbeforeawashofreliefandalsodesire.
Jaceputhishandinhers,andsheleanedintohim,wantingtotwineherself
aroundhisbigbodyagain.

Seancametothem,swordonhisbackglinting,andtookDeni’sotherhandas

theShiftersformedcircles.“Smartidea,Deni.Icommendyou,”hesaid.Then
hisnostrilswidened,takinginherscentcombinedwithJace’s.Hisgaze
sharpenedasitmovedoverJace’smussedhairandDeni’shastilytiedsarong.
“Shite,”hesaidtoJace.“You’vebeeninAustin,what,twentyminutes,lad?You
didn’tevenstopforamealfirst.”

Deniwenthotagain,thoughshekeptherheadupunderSean’sscrutinyand

madeherselfmeethisgaze.

“Keepitdown,”Jacesaid.“Don’tembarrassthelady.”
“Onlyifyoucankeepitdown.”Seandidn’tburstintolaughter,buthisbig

smileshowedamusementenough.

“Shutup,bothofyou,”Denisaid,certainherfacemustbeburgundyred.

“They’rehere.”

Everylawenforcementagencyinthiscountymusthaveansweredwhatever

callhadreportedShiftersuphere.CarsandSUVssurroundedthearena,
floodlightsglaringoverthecirclesofShifters,gleamingineyes,glintingon
Collars.Policeinbulletproofvestsswarmedoutofthevehiclesandintothe
arena,carryingguns,chains,nets,andtranqrifles.They’dcomepreparedto
roundupallofthem.

Thecopsstoppedwhentheyfound,notShiftersfightinginprimitivefrenzy,

butShiftersandhumansstandinginquietcircles.Thelargestcircle,whereDeni
andJacestood,outlinedtheperimeterofthearenafloor,withconcentriccircles
insideit,smallerandsmallerastheynearedthemiddleofthearena.Thecircles
ofShiftersmovedslowly,eachoneinthedirectionoppositeoftheonebeforeit,
theShifterswalkinginaslow,shufflinggait.Thesmallestcircleringedaround
Dylan,Glory,andDylan’sgrandson,Connor,whostoodinfrontofatrashcan
fulloffire.

Shiftersheldhands—orhadtailswrappedaroundhands,iftheywerestillin

animalform—andchantedaprayertotheGoddessastheymoved.EachShifter
spokequietly,buttheminglingvoicesreverberatedtothestarrysky.

DeniclaspedJace’shandtightlyononeside,Sean’sontheother.Seanshould

technicallybeintheinnermostcirclewithhisfatherandnephew,buthe’d
stoppedtomakesureDeniwasallrightandhadn’thadtimetoreachit.

Seanhadhisgazeontheinnercircleandhisfather,butJacelookedatthe

ground,hisshouldershunching.Theposturemadehimappearsmallerthanhe
was,lesschallenging,justanotherShifterinthebunch.Deniunderstoodwhy.
Jacewasn’tsupposedtobeinTexasatall.Ifthehumanpolicediscoveredhe
wasfromtheLasVegasShiftertown,herewithoutofficialpermission,he’dbe
arrested,andthingscouldonlygodownhillfromthere.

Shiftersweren’tallowedtoleavethestateswheretheirShiftertownswere

locatedwithoutspecialpermits,andJacedidn’thaveone.Deniknewthat
withoutasking—permissionwasdifficulttoobtainandtookforever.Jacehad
beencomingandgoingfromtheAustinShiftertownwhenhepleasedforthelast
yearorso,toworkwithDylanandLiamontheCollars.ShifterslikeJacehad
figuredouthowtogowheretheywantedwhenevertheywanted,buthumans
didn’tneedtoknowthat.IfoneofthecopsrealizedthatJacewasn’tfromaround
here...

DenimovedherbodysobothsheandSeanshieldedJacefromthecopswho

stoppedclosesttothem.

Thepolicehadhaltedinuncertainty,buttheykepttheirweaponstrainedon

theShifters,tranqgunsattheready.Thetwocopsincharge,amananda
woman,pushedtheirwaythroughthecirclesofShiftersuntiltheyreached
Dylaninthecenter.

“Tellmewhatthehellisgoingonhere,”themansaid,hispistoltrainedon

Dylan.

Dylangavehimacoldlook.“AShifterreligiousceremony.”Hiswordscame

clearly,andtheShiftersstoppingchantingandfellsilent.“Whatdoesitlook
like?”

“Whatkindofreligiousceremony?”themalecopasked,notimpressed.

“Explainittome.”

“It’sprivate.”Dylan’svoiceheldanedge.
“Keepittogether,Dad,”SeanwhisperednexttoDeni.HisgazewasonDylan,

asthoughhecouldwillhisfathertostaycalm.

“Icanarresteveryone,”thecopsaidtoDylan.“Andquestioneachandevery

oneofyou.Ihavethemanpowerandthetime.OrIcanarrestyoubyyourself,
Morrissey.Yourchoice.”

Connorspokeup,hisvoiceshrillandsoundingafewyearsyoungerthanhe

was.“It’samemorialceremony.Formydad.”

Afewofthecopsmoveduneasily,butmostofthemwentmorerigid.
“Who’syourdad?”themalecopasked.
Dylananswered,“KennyMorrissey.Myson.Hediedtwelveyearsago.We’re

rememberinghimtonight.”

“Rememberinghimhow?”
Dylanshrugged,keepinghisvoicesteady.“Prayers,thecircledance.We

usuallyburnphotosorothermementoes.”Hegesturedattheflamesinthe
trashcannexttothem.“Kennywaswellliked,andhisbrotherisnowthe
Shiftertownleader.Everyonewantedtocome.”

“Whataboutfights?”thecopasked.“BoutsbetweenhumansandShifters?”
Dylanscowled.“Idon’tknowwhatshitpeoplehavebeentellingyou,but

Shifterreligiousceremoniesarepeaceful.”Thatwasabsolutetruth.“Noviolence
inanyofthem.”

“NotwhatIheard,”thecopsaid.“Cuffhim,”hetoldthefemalecopbeside

him.

ConnorstartedforwardinanguishbutbothDylanandGlorysteppedinhis

way.“It’sallright,lad,”Dylansaid.Hegavethetwocopsanod.“Youdon’t
havetocuffme.I’mhappytocomewithyouandexplaineverything.Ibet

someonetoldyouabunchofShiftershadgatheredhere,anditmadeyour
higher-upsnervous.”

“Somethinglikethat,”thecopsaid,histonestillsharp.
Thewomanmovedforwardwiththecuffs.Dylangaveheraresignedlook

andheldouthishands.“IfIcomewithyou,theothersgohome.”

“Youdon’thaveachoice,”themalecopsaid.“But,sure,theotherscango

home.Infact,theyneedtogo,now.Myofficerswillescortthemout.IfIlike
whatyousaydowntown,thentheycanstayhome.”

SeanreleasedDeni’shand.“I’dbettergowiththem,”hesaidinalowvoice.

“Dadcanscaretheshiteoutofpeoplejustbylookingatthem.I’mmore
diplomatic.”Hesaiditwithoutboasting.“Ronan,”hecalled.“MakesureConnor
andGlorygethomeallright.”

“Yougotit,Sean,”Ronansaid.
“Ridewithme,”JacewhisperedtoDeniasSeanwalkedawayandtheShifters

andhumansbegantodisperse.Thecopsstartedherdingeveryoneouttothe
parkinglot,Shiftersgrowlingandrumblinginannoyance,butnotarguing,their
humanfriendswalkingalongquietly.

“IcamewithRonanandElizabeth,”Denisaidnervously.SheknewJacehad

riddeninonamotorcycle—she’dhearditwhenhe’dpulledup.

“IneedtopretendIdidn’tcomealone.RonanandElizabethwillunderstand.”
DeniknewJacewastryingtomakehimselflookasthoughhebelongedinthis

Shiftertown.IfhewentoffwithDeni,asthoughpartofthecommunity,hemight
escapescrutiny.ButthatmeantDeniwouldhavetoclimbontothebackofa
motorcycle.

“Whathappenedtoyou?”anothercopaskedbeforeDenicouldanswerJace.
Denistoppedshort,butthemanwasn’ttalkingtoher.Hewaslookingbehind

them,atRonan,histranqriflepointedatthebigman.

Ronandidlookbad,hisarmscutandbruised,oneeyeswollen.He’dskimmed

onclotheswhilethecopswereclosingin,andElizabethnowhadherarmfirmly
aroundhim.“I’mabouncer,”Ronansaid.“Atabar.Humansliketothrow
punchesatme.”Heshrugged.“Iletthem.”

Thecopgavehimalookofsuspicion,buthedidn’tpursueit.Insteadhe

steppedinfrontofJaceandgavehimabelligerentscowl.“Whataboutyou?You
lethumanstakepunchesatyoutoo?”

Jace’sface,neck,andtorso,baredbyhisopenjacket,borebruisesfromhis

fightwithBroderick.Denirealizedsomethingshehadn’tearlier—afewofthe
marksonJace’sneckwerefromherfingers,somefromherteeth.Sheflushed.

Jacegavethecopalazysmilewithoutliftinghisheadalltheway.Hedraped

hisarmaroundDeniandpressedakisstoherhair.“Religiousceremoniescanbe

boring,”hesaid,hisvoiceslightlyslurred.“Foundsomethingbettertodofora
while.”

Thecopgotaknowinglook,andDeniblushedharder.Well,Jacewasn’t

lying.Whatthey’ddoneinthedarknesshadbeenswift,hot,andglorious,not
boringatall.

“Yeah,well,keepitathome,”thecopsaid.
“Loveto.”Jacekeptuphiscarelessslouch,leaningonDeni,hisarmaround

her.

Thecop,fortunately,leftthemalone,lookingaroundforotherstoharass.
“You’llhavetodrive,”Jacesaidwhentheyreachedthebike.Denithoughtshe

recognizeditasbelongingtoLiam,whomusthavelentittoJace.“Iactedalittle
drunksohe’dleaveusalone,butifhe’swatching,Idon’twanttogivehiman
excusetostopmeforDUI.”Hegaveheragrinanddangledthekeysinfrontof
her.“Sotonightyou’remydesignateddriver.”

ChapterThree

DenilookedatthekeysJacepressedintoherhand,andblindpanicwashed
throughher.“Ican’t.”Shecouldn’tdrawabreath.“Jace,I’msorry.Ican’t.”

“Can’t?”Jacefrowneddownather,hisexpressionamixtureofcompassion,

curiosity,andtheneedtohurry.“Why?Neverdrivenamotorcyclebefore?”

“Ihave.Iownone.Or,Idid.It’sjust...”Deni’sbodywascold,fearpumping

throughher.“Iwasinawreckonmymotorcycle,”shesaidinarush.“Aman
ranmeofftheroadlastyear,onpurpose.Iwasbadlyhurt—tookmealongtime
torecover.Ihaven’tbeenabletorideamotorcyclesincethen.PlusIhave...
episodes.Idon’tknowwhatI’mdoingforstretchesoftime—I’veevenattacked
myownfamily.Istarttogoferal.Liketonight,whenIfought,andwhenwe—”

“Hey,”Jaceinterruptedherhurriedflowofwords,hisvoicewarminthe

darkness.“Stop.It’sallright.”

“It’snotallright.It’salongwayfromallright.”Denidrewashuddering

breath.“Ihaven’tbeenabletosomuchasgetonamotorcycle,noteventoride
withsomeoneelse.Ipanic—Ican’tdoit.Sorry,Ishouldhavetoldyou.”

“Yeah,well,wedidn’tgetmuchchancetotalk,didwe?”Jace’seyesglinted,

theteasinglightinthemmakingherbothembarrassedandrelieved.

Shehandedthekeysouttohim.“Thanksforunderstanding.”
Jacedidn’ttakethem.“Imean,Igetthatthisishardforyou,Den,butyou’re

stillgoingtohavetodrivethebike.Sorry,sweetheart,Ican’triskgetting
stoppedorarrested,orevenquestioned.IftheyfindoutwhoIam,thingscould
getbad.Notonlyforme,butmyfather,Liam,Dylan—maybeallShifters.”He
slowedhiswords,asthoughsensingDeni’sfearescalateagain.“You’llbeall
right.I’llbewithyou.”

Thekeyswereheavyinherhand.“Oh,right.SoIwon’tblackoutandcrash

us,becauseyou’llbeontheseatbehindme?”

“Somethinglikethat.”Jacebrushedhishandoverherarm,hisfingersblunt

andwarm.

Deni’sfearwastoorawtobeeasilycalmed,butshewasgratefultohimfor

trying.Sheknewshehadtogetonthedamnedbikeandtakethemoutofthere—

hewasrightaboutthat—butshecouldn’tmakeherfeetmove.

Oneofthecopswaslookingtheirway.Themanwaitedabeatortwo,then

startedforthem.

JacegaveDeniasmallshovetowardthemotorcycle.“We’vegottogo.”

Anotherpush,movingheranotherstep.“Onlyforafewmiles.Oncewe’reoff
theirradar,wecanswitch.”

“Ican’trideinthis.”Denigesturedtoherself,thefabricwrappedaroundher

body.Shehad,infact,riddeninasarongbefore,butthewindwouldbecoldand
chafing.Maybehe’dtakepityonherandfindsomeoneelsetotakehimto
Shiftertown.

Jaceslidoutofhisdenimjacketanddrapeditaroundhershoulders.Thatleft

historsobare,buthedidn’tseemthemorevulnerableforit.“Youcanwear
this.”

Thejacketheldhisbodyheatandhisscent.Deniclosedhereyes.Shelooked

forsomethingpeacefulinsideherself,aplacesheusedtobeabletofind.Jace
wouldbewithher.He’dmakesuretheyreachedShiftertown.Shewilledherself
tobelieve.

“Now,”Jacesaidinherear.
Denijumped,buthisvoicegalvanizedher.Shetookadeepbreathandstarted

toswingherlegoverthebike.

Itgotstuckhalfway.Deni’sheartthumped—hurry,hurry—butshecouldn’t

makeherleggoovertheseat.Sheclenchedhermuscles,willingherbodyto
obey,butshewasshaking,herbreathleavingher.

Jaceswarmedontothebikebehindher,shovingherlegallthewayoverwith

his.There,shewason,withJacewrappinghiswarm,barearmsaroundher.

Themotorcyclewasbig—Liam,whoownedit,wasabigman—butShifter

womenweretall.Denicouldrideit.

Denitrembledalloverasshestartedthebike,herbodybrushingbackagainst

thesolidwarmthofJace’s.Themotorcyclerumbledbeneaththem,thedeep
throbofawell-tunedHarley,whichleteveryvehiclenearitknowwhata
powerhouseitwas.

Jacetightenedhisarmsaroundher,pretendingtohavetoclinghardbecause

hewasdrunk,butheturnedtheholdintoasteadyingone.Denirelaxedalittle,
enoughtoglidethebikeforward,liftingherfeetsmoothlyastheywent.

Thenarrowroadbacktothehighwaywasdark,rutted,andunnerving.The

headlightslicedthroughblackness,theTexasnightvast.Farahead,tinylights
markedwhereotherShiftersweredrivingaway.

Denistartedtocalmevenmore.Herbodyinstinctivelyknewhowtobalance

thebike,howtoguidethebigmachine,evenwhentheroadwasrough.Her

paniclessened,butthen,outhere,therewerenoothercars,nocitystreets,no
humansrunningtheirvehiclesintoShiftersandruiningtheirlives.

Jace’sarmsaroundDeni,hiswarmbodyatherback,remindedheroftheir

wildcoupling,beautifulforallitsbrutality.Jacehadatall,strongbody,oneDeni
wouldbewillingtoclimbagain.Andagain.DeniwishedsheandJacecouldbe
trulyalone,racingdowntheroad,nothingontheirmindsbutthewind,stars,and
whatthey’ddotogetheratthejourney’send.

Theyreachedthehighway,thetrafficsparse.Deniswungthebiketotheright,

headingforthelightsofcivilization.Austinglowedonthehorizon,thecity
beckoning.

DenihadgrowntoloveAustinanditsquirkiness—themusic,SixthStreeton

aSaturdaynight,barsthatrangedfromupscaletoshabbyhonky-tonks,thebats
emergingeverysunsetfromtheCongressAvenueBridge,thetown’ssenseof
beingdifferentfromeveryplaceelseintheworld,evenfromtherestofTexas.
Denihadfoundsomethinglikehappinesssettlinghere,withherbrother,Ellison,
andhersons,WillandJackson.Notthegreatestexistence,livinginShiftertown,
butatleasttheyweretogether.

Andthenthebastardhuman,who’dbeeninvolvedinsomenastybusiness

regardingShiftersthatEllisonandDenihadhelpedclearup,haddeliberatelyrun
downDenionhermotorcycle,robbingherofcontrolandanysenseof
tranquility.Tonight,couplingwithJaceandnowhavinghimholdontoherwas
theclosestshe’dcometofindingpeaceagain.

Deniturnedontothe183andheadednorth.ShewassureJacewouldtellher

topulloveranyminutesohecouldtakeoverthedriving,buthedidn’t.Jacekept
hisarmsaroundher,hisbodyleaningwithhersasshemadetheturnandjoined
traffic.

Denistartedtoshakeagainastrafficthickened,carsandtruckssurgingaround

themtoheadforAustinfrompointseastofSanAntonio.Jace’swarmhands
movedonDeni’sbelly,asthoughheknewsheneededhisreassuringtouch.Deni
feltalittlebetter,butwhentheyreachedLockhart,shepulledofftoagasstation.

“Youcantakeovernow,”shesaid,slidingoffthehelmet.
Jacedidn’tdismount.“You’redoingfine.Keepgoing.”
“Jace,comeon.I’mscared.Thewreckreallymessedmeup.Theguywhodid

itwastryingtograbme—hewaskidnappingShifters.”

Jace’seyesnarrowed.“Iheardabouthim.Hedidn’tgetyouthough,right?”
“Onlybecausethereweretoomanyotherpeoplearound.Henearlykilled

me.”

“Buthe’sdeadnow.”Jacespokewithconviction.Dylanmusthavetoldhim

someofthatstory.

“Yes.”Deniswallowed,hermouthdry.ShewonderedifDylanhadtoldJace

exactlyhowthemanhaddied,andDeni’spartinit.“MymindknowsthatI’m
safe,butmyinstinctsdon’t.Thewolfinsidemehasn’tfullyprocessedityet,I
guess.”

Jacekeptfrowning.“Iseethat.ButI’mrightherewithyou.Showyourself

youcandoit.Don’tlethimwin.”

Deniwantedto—shetrulydid.Herbrotherhadgivenhersimilaradvice:

Don’tlettheassholetakeeverythingawayfromyou.

Wisewords,butstill,itwashard.“WhatifIblackout?”
Jaceshotheragrin.“I’llwakeyouup.”
“Jace,Ican’t.”
“You’rewrong.Youcan.”
Denigraspedthehandlebars.Sheusedtolovetoride,sheandEllisongoing

alloutonthebackroads,sidebyside,racing.Shemissedit.

ShegaveJaceachallenginglook.“WhatifIgetoffrighthereandrefuseto

ride?”

Jaceshrugged.“ThenItakethebikebacktoLiamandsendyouacab.Oryou

canshifttowolfandgocross-country.”

“Oh,thanks.”
Thegrinreturned.“Or,youcandrive.”
Hewasashithead.Asexyone.Damnit.
EverythinginDeniwantedtodothis.Waitingatthisgasstationforacab

certainlydidn’tappealtoher,especiallynotwiththefewgoodoldboysstarting
toeyethem.HumansandShiftersweren’tsupposedtotangle,butoutinfarm
andranchcountry,inthemiddleofthenight,rulesdidn’talwaysstopanyone.

Denislappedthehelmetbackonherhead.Sherevvedthebikeandpulledout

ofthegasstation,openinguptheengineonceshegotoutoftowntomakeit
throb.

Windrushedpasther,thebikerumbledunderher,andJace,hard-bodiedand

hot,hungontoher.Denistillfelttheacheoftheirroughlovemaking,andknew
shecarriedhisseedinsideher.Whatwouldhappenifthatseedtookroot?The
thoughtofhavinganothercubfrightenedheralmostasmuchasridingdid,butit
elatedheratthesametime.

Deninavigatedthemontothe130thenoffwhenthe183splitfromitagain,

andkeptonstraightnorthforAustin.Shewassweatingbythetimetheyhit
Austinproper,Jace’sjacketcuttingthebracingwind.Theincreasingtraffic
madeherpanicriseoncemore,butJacewasthere,caressingher,histouch
calming.

ExcitementhitDeniwhensherolledintothemostlydesertedstreetsaround

ShiftertownandpulledthemotorcycleupbehindthebarLiammanaged.She
swungoffthebikeafterJacedismounted,andyankedoffherhelmet.

“Ididit.Goddess,Jace—Ididit!”
“Yeah,youdid.”Jaceswepthisarmsaroundherandpulledheragainsthim.

“Youweregreat.Andyoudidn’tevenpassout.”

Deniwastoobuoyedtorespondtotheremark.Shegavehimahardkisson

themouth,lovingthetasteofhim.Herexcitementincreased,herneedforhim
notslaked.Jacedidn’tdiscourageher.Hiskissturnedhard,hishandsonher
backstrong.

Denimadeherselfeaseawayfromhim,thoughheremainedholdinghera

moment,hiseyesdarkgreeninthemoonlight.Shakingalittle,Denistepped
back,slidhisjacketoff,andhandeditbacktohim,thoughitwasashameto
watchhimcoverhimself.

Jaceshruggedthejacketonthentookabackpackfromoneofthesaddlebags

andslungitoverhisshoulder.HeputhisarmaroundDeni.“Comeinandhavea
beerwithme?”

ThiswasDeni’schancetotellhimsheneededtogohome,towaitforhersons

togetinfromwork,herbrotherandhismatetoreturnfromtheirdate.Togo
backtowatchingeveryoneelselive,whileshesatinthecornerandtriedtostay
sane.

Tohellwiththat.Denisquaredhershoulders,slidherhandthroughJace’s

offeredarm,andwalkedinwithhimthroughthebackdoor.

Theyemergedintotheloudbar,halffullofShifters.AtallShiftercoveredin

tattsspiedthemandsteppedinfrontofJace.

“Liamwantstoseeyou,”hesaidwithhischaracteristicbrevity,thenturned

aroundandwalkedaway.

“That’sSpike,”Denisaid.“Manoffewwords.”
“I’vemethim.”JacetookDeni’shandandledherthroughthecrowd,making

hiswaytotheblack-hairedIrishmanleaningonthebar.Hewasn’ttendingit—
Shiftersweren’tallowedtoservealcohol.Ahumanbarmandidthat.

LiamMorrisseyturnedastheyapproached,asthoughsensingthemcome,

whichheprobablyhad.Hewouldn’thavebeenabletohearthemoverthe
jukebox,orsmellthemovertheodorsofsmoke,alcohol,sweatyhumans,and
Shifterswho’dalsojustreturnedfromthefightclub.ButLiamhadtheuncanny
knackofknowingwhereeveryonewasatalltimes.Liamwastall,likehis
brother,Sean,andhadthesameintenseblueeyes.ThoseeyestookinJace,then
Deni,thenLiamleanedforwardandpulledJaceintoaShifterwelcoming
embrace.

JacedroppedhisbackpackonabarstoolandletLiamenfoldhim.Becausethe

twohadmetbeforeandlikedeachother,thehugwasmorecordialandlesswary
thanmanyalphamaleexchanges.Noveiledhintthateachwouldripoutthe
other’sthroatiftheyhadhalfachance.Justfriendshipandcamaraderie,arms
tighteningoneachother’sbacks.

LiamreleasedJace,turnedtoDeni,andpulledherintohisarmsaswell.This

hugwasmorereassuring,theShiftertownleadertryingtocalmoneofhisown.
“Welldone,”Liamsaidquietlyintoherear,andDeniwarmedwithpleasure.

LiamreleasedDeniandfoundJacerightnexttohim.Rightnexttohim,asin

slapupagainsthim.Jace’seyeshadtightened,andhepinnedLiamwitha
warningstare.

LiamreachedpastJaceforahalf-filledbottleofbeerhe’dleftonthebarand

helditwithoutdrinking.“SpikeandRonantoldmewhathappenedoutthere
withthecops.”HegaveDeniagrin.“Iseeyoutwoalreadycelebrated.”

AsshehadunderSean’sscrutiny,Deniflushed,butJacelookedunworried.

“HaveyouheardanythingfromDylan?”Jaceaskedhim.

Liamlosthissmile.“TheytookDaddowntown.Mymateiswithhim,andso

isSean.Theytoldmenottocome.”Henodded,asthoughheagreed.“Kim
knowswhatshe’sdoing.”

Liam’smatewasadefenselawyerwhonowspecializedindefendingShifters.

Liamwasrightthatshewasplentycompetent,andDylanandSeanweregoodat
keepinghumanattentionawayfromShifters.DenisawthetightnessinLiam,
however,sensedhisneedtoracetothepolicestationanduseanymeans
necessarytoextracthisfather.

“Didthepolicetalktoyou?”Jaceaskedhim.
“Aye,theydid.Camerushinginhere,demandingtoknowaboutthisfight

clubthey’dheardabout.Ofcourse,Iknewnothing,didI?”Liam,asleader,had
decidedtolooktheotherwayaboutthefightclub,whichwentagainstShifter
lawsaswellashuman.Thoughthefightclubshadrules,theyweredangerous,
butLiamhadacknowledgedlongagothathecouldn’tpreventthem.“A
detectiveandhalfadozenuniformscameinherethesametimethearenawas
beingraided,orIwouldhavewarnedmydadandSean.”Denisawtheoutrage
inhiseyesthathe’dbeenblindsided.

“Well,theyfounditsomehow,”Jacesaid.“Youhavealeak.Justtoreassure

you—itisn’tme.”

“Didn’tthinkitwas,lad.”
IfLiamhadthoughtJacewastheonewho’dbetrayedthewhereaboutsofthe

fightclub,Jacewouldn’tbestandingherespeakingcalmlytoLiam.He’dhave
beenstoppedatthedoor,andLiamwouldnowbedisembowelinghiminthe
parkinglot.

“Dowelielow?”Jaceasked.
Liamansweredwithonequickshakeofhisheadbutnowords.Notall

ShifterswereprivytotheworkLiamandhisfamilyweredoingontheCollars.
Needtoknowonly.MostShiftersweretrustworthy,butastonighthadproved,
leakshappened.

LiamlookedatDeniagainandstartedtosmile.“Amemorialservice.Good

thinking,lass.”Hechuckled.

“ItwasthefirstlogicalthingIcouldthinkof,”Denisaid.“I’msorryIused

yourfamily’sgriefasadistraction.”

Liamshookhishead,hiseyesbrightwithmirth.“Kennywouldhavelaughed

hisballsoff.Healwayslovedagoodjoke,didKenny.”

Liamwasgrinning,butDenisawthemoistureinhiseyes,hissorrowforhis

deadbrotherneverfaraway.

“Thenwe’llmeetasappointed,”Jacebrokein.“Unlessyouwavemeoff.”
“Aye,getsomerest.”Liam’samusementreturnedasheturnedtoDeniagain.

“Rest,mind.Lookslikeyouneedit.”Hegaveheraquietnod.“LikeIsaid,well
done,lass.”

“Leader’spet,”JacewhisperedinDeni’searasheguidedherthroughthe

crowdedbar,hishandonthesmallofherback.Hislaughdidwarmthingsto
her.“Let’sgetyouhome.”

***

WalkingDenihomewasdelayedwhenBroderickcameintothebar,followedby
Shifterslookingenoughlikehimtobehisbrothers.JacefeltDeni’srageand
worryincrease,herbodyvibratingunderhishand.

“Wedon’tlikeoutsiders,”oneofBroderick’sbrotherssaid,steppinginfront

ofJace.“Don’tlikethemcominginandtakingourwomen.”

DeniwasaroundJacebeforehesawhermove.“Suckonit,”Denisaid.“I

thoughtIwastoocrazyforyouall,anyway.”

Broderickshowedhisteethinasmile.“She’sgotgoodreflexes,fora

nutcase.”

JacepulledDenibackbehindhimandmovedtoBroderick,theclearleaderof

thisbunch.“Keepyourshittoyourselfandyourbrothersquiet,”hesaid,“orI’ll
wipethefloorwithyourass.Again.”

BroderickglancedaroundJacetoDeni,andhiseyeswidenedasherealized

whatotherShiftershadbeenallnight—thatJaceandDenihadgottentoknow

eachotherinthedarkoutatthefightclub.Broderickliftedhishands.“Hey,if
you’rethatfrenziedbyher,youtakeher.You’llbedoingusallafavor.Hope
youcankeepherundercontrol.”

JacehadBroderickbythethroatbeforeBroderickcouldblink.Jacesurprised

evenhimselfwiththemove,andhisspeed.“WhatdidIjusttellyou?”

JacewasawareofShiftersturning,watching,stilling.Themusicpumpedon,

aloudcountrysong,buttheShiftersstoppeddancing,talking,anddrinkingto
watch.

Broderick’sbrotherwasrightaboutonething—Jacewasanoutsider.Hewas

adominantandsanctionedbyDylanandLiam,butthatwouldn’tmatterifthe
entireShiftercommunitydidn’twanthim.Apack,enmasse,couldkillanalpha
andnotcare.

HefeltDenibehindhim—closebehindhim—pressedagainsthisback,but

shewasn’ttryingtosoothehimoutofhisrageorstophim.Jacesensedher
excitement,heruncontrolledneedtofight.Ifhefolloweduphisthreaton
Broderick,Deniwouldberightbesidehim,battlingitoutwithhim.Thethought
madehimwarm,gavehimstrength.

Liamwasstillatthebar,watching.Doingnothing.HewantedtoseehowJace

wouldhandlethis.

LettingBroderickgowoulddecreaseJace’sstandinginthisShiftertown.Not

lettinghimgomightgethimkilled.

AverylargehandlandedonJace’sshoulder,anotheronBroderick’s.Jacegot

awhiffofanannoyedKodiakbearShifterwhohadn’tshoweredsincehisarena
fight.

“Takeitoutofthebar,boys,”Ronansaid.“Betteridea—Broderick,youstay

hereandgetrat-faceddrunklikeyoudoeverynight,andyou...”HegaveJace
theslightestshake.“Yougoandsleepitoff.You’resupposedtobeholingupat
Dylan’shouse,buthe’sofftryingtostayoutofjail.TakeDenihome,andcrash
onEllison’scouch.”

Ronan,asbouncer,wasbreakingtheimpasse.Smart.Ronan’sinterventionlet

Jacesaveface,andBroderickdidn’tgethisasshandedtohim.Jacehadnodoubt
thatLiamhadsignaledRonansomehow,butLiamstillwatchedasthoughonly
mildlyinterested.

JaceeasedthepressureofhisfingersaroundBroderick’sthroat.Broderick’s

Collarsparkedonce,jumpingelectricityintoJace’shand,butJacedidn’tjerk
away.Heopenedhisfingersslowlyandloweredhisarm.Broderickremained
wherehewas,notsteppingbackorrubbinghisneck,whichwasimprintedwith
Jace’sfingermarks.

Jacedeliberatelyturnedawayfromhim.“Goodidea,”JacesaidtoRonan.“By

theway,youfoughtagoodfightoutthere.”

Ronangavehimabriefnodofthanks,buthemovedhimselfsolidlybetween

JaceandBroderick.Iftheydecidedtogoforeachotheragain,they’dhavetodo
itaroundthewallofRonan.JacemightoutrankRonanindominance,butthere
wasnodisputingthatRonanwashuge.

Jacetookastepback,showinghewouldn’tpushit,andheldhishandoutto

Deni.

HesensedDeni’sreliefasshetookhishand,butalsoherdisappointmentthat

anotherfightwithBroderickwouldn’tensue.ShesaidnothingtoJace,onlygave
Broderickafinalglare,andthenJaceledDenitothedoorandoutintothenight.

Denistartedwalkingswiftlyoncetheyleftthebar,movingfasterandfaster,

untilshewasnearlydraggingJaceacrosstheemptylotandtowardthestreetsof
Shiftertown.Inthemiddleofthedusty,weed-chokedfield,Jacepulledhertoa
halt.

“Holdup,”hesaid.“Tellmesomething—whatthehellwasthat?”
Deni’sgrayeyesgleamedinthedarkness.“Whatthehellwaswhat?”
“You.”Jacepointedhisfingeratherface.“Eggingmeoninthere.NotBe

careful,Jace,youdon’twanttogetyourselfintotrouble.Morelike,Goon,Jace.
Kickhisass!Youwantedtoseemegettakendownbythatwholebar,didyou?”

“No.”Deniclenchedherhands,asthoughresistingtheurgetonibbletheend

ofhisfinger.“Broderickjustpissesmeoff.Andyouwouldn’thavebeentaken
downbythewholebar.Isawyoufight—they’dhavebackedoff.”

“Wereyouthisbloodthirstybeforeyouraccident?”
Denihesitated,herchestrisingwithherbreath.“Idon’tknow.”
Jaceputhishandsonherarms,whichwerecold.Thenightwascooling,and

herflesh,baredbythesarong,roseingoosebumps.“Yousaidfightingmakes
youwanttofight,”hesaid.“Butweweren’tfightinginthere.Notyet.”

“Butyouwantedto.”DenirestedherfingersonJace’sforearms.“Isensed

thatloudandclear.YouwerereadytoripoutBroderick’sthroat.Icantakehis
crap,butyoucouldn’t.Areyoualwaysthisbloodthirsty?”

Notuntiltoday.Hemadehimselfgrin.“EveryoneathomethinksI’m

reasonableandapeacemaker.”GoodoldJace.He’llcalmeveryonedown.

“Yeah?NotsureI’dwanttomeetyourfamily,then.”
“Youwould.You’dlikemydad,andhismate.”Herubbedherarms.“Too

coldouthere.Let’sgetyouhome.”

Denishivered,asthoughrealizinghowlightlydressedshewas.“Fine.Though

I’mnotsureaboutyousleepingonthecouch.Liammighthaveroomathis
house.OrSpikemight.”

Shestartedtoturnaway.Jacethoughtaboutfindingspaceinadarkhousethat

didn’tcontainher,andsomethingkickedhiminthegut.

Jacedraggedherbacktohim.Denilandedagainsthischest,hergrayeyes

goingwide.Hefeltherheartbeatingrapidlyashescoopedhertohim,slidhis
handtothebackofherneck,andpulledherupforahardkiss.

ChapterFour

Theirmouthsmetinafrenzy.DeniclungtoJace,herbreathhotonhislips,her
kisseswild,hungry.

Jacewrappedhisarmsaroundher.Thiswoman,thisdeliciousfemale,was

awakeningsomethinghe’dneverfeltbefore—need,primalandintense,which
allShifterspossessed,butwhichJacehadonlyexperienceddimlybeforethis.
EventhehormonalcrazinessofhisTransitiontoadulthoodhadn’tspikedthe
intensedesirethroughhimthatkissingDenidid.

Asherstronghandspulledhimdowntoher,Jacerealizedsheneededhimin

return.Neededhim,Jacetheman,notJacetheShifterleader’sson—shehadn’t
knownwhohewaswhenthey’dmet.Nothinginherbehavior,herscent,her
voicehadtoldhimshecaredwherehewasinthefoodchain.

Sheroseontiptoes,runningfingersthroughhisshorthair,kissinghimas

thoughshecouldn’tgetenough.Jacefelthisfrenzyreply—need,mate,don’tlet
go.

Denipushedawayfromhimwithasuddennessthatrobbedhimofbreath.

Coldairfilledinwhereshe’dbeen,andJacefeltsuddenlyempty.

Deniwasstaringupathim,herchestrisingwithheragitation.“Sorry.Ican’t

control—”

Jace’sreturningbreathhurthim.“It’snotcontrolI’mlookingfor.”
“Iam.”
Becauseofheraccident,shemeant,herfearitwasmakinghergoferal.“Iget

that,”Jacesaid.Heclaspedherelbows.“Butthat’sover,Deni.Yousurvived.I
won’tletyouloseitwhenyou’rewithme—Ipromise.”

Sheshuddered.“Ijustwish—”
“Wishwhat?”Jacedrewhercloseragain,runninghishandsupherarmsto

cuphershoulders.“Tellmewhatyouwant.”

“Tobenormalagain.Ayearago,Iwouldhavesnatchedupsomeonelikeyou,

takenyousomewhereprivate,andnotcomeoutuntilweweredoneenjoying
ourselves.”

Jacegrinneddownather.“Metoo.Withyou,Imean.”

“Butnow.”Denishudderedbutshedidn’tpullaway.“I’mafraidtoletmyself

go.”

“Yeah,”Jacesaid,hisvoicequieter.“Metoo.”That’swhythey’dsentJaceto

AustintoliaiseandtesttheCollarcontrolproblem.Jacewastrustworthy,
dependable.Couldkeepasecret.Couldtakepainandnotgocrazyfromit.He
didn’tneedanyonetoholdhishand,neverhad.

Helikedtostayincontrol,bestrong.Buttonight...
“Comeon,”Denisaid.Shelacedherhandthroughhis,tugginghimalong

withher.“BestIgethome.”

Jace’sheartstillthrummedfromthekiss—Deni’staste,herscent,thewarmth

ofherbodyimprintedonhis.Theferalbeingdeepinsidehimgrowledin
frustration,wantingout.

Keepittogether.HewassupposedtobehelpingDenistaycalm.ButasJace

walkedbehindher,watchingherhipsswaywhileherhandwashotinhis,he
wonderedwhichofthemwouldprovetobethestronger.

***

WillandJackson,Deni’ssons,werehome.Deni’sheartlightenedwhenshesaw
theirpickupinthedrivewayandthelightsglowinginthehouse.Home.Safety.

Jace’sscentlikewildsagewrappedaroundherassheledhimupontothe

porch.HerideathathecouldgosleepatLiam’sorSpike’sdidn’tseemasgood
now.Denididn’tlikethethoughtofhimsayinggood-byeandwalkingaway.

“Sweetride,”Jacesaid,gesturingatthemotorcycleparkednexttothepickup.

“Yours?”

Deninodded,herheartsqueezing.“Ellisonboughtitformeafterminewas

totaled.”Sheglancedatitandturnedresolutelyaway.

“Andyouhaven’triddenit,”Jacesaid.“Shame.”
“Isn’tit?”Denijerkedopenthedoortothehouse.Shewasnotgoingtolet

Jacetalkherintogettingonthemotorcycletonight.She’ddonewellriding
Liam’sbikehome,butshestillshookfromit.Toomuchtoosoon.

Jacefollowedherinsidewithoutfurtherword.Denienteredherhaven,filled

withthescentsofhersons,herbrother,andhismate.Soonherbrotherandmate
wouldhavetheirfirstcub,andmorelaughterwouldfillthehouse.

“Mom.”
Will,heryoungest,alreadytwenty-four,cametoDeniassheenteredthe

kitchenandwrappedhisarmsaroundher.Shehuggedhimback,herbeloved

son.Afteralongtime,Willliftedhishead,lookedherupanddown,andasked,
“Whatthehellhappenedtoyou?”

“Fight,”Denisaid.“ButI’mokay.Irode,Will.Liam’sbike—allthewayfrom

thefightclub.”

Will’seyeswidened,butJackson,twoyearsolderthanWill,said,“Andyou

wereatthefightclubwhy?”Hecameforward,greetingDenibygivinghera
hugfromtheside.Willhadn’tmoved.

NeithersonacknowledgedJacestandingquietlynearthedoor.Willand

Jacksonwerestilltechnicallycubs,thoughtheywereintheirtwenties—adultsin
humanterms.Theyhadn’tgonethroughtheirTransitionsyet.Theywere
clingingtoDeniasinstinctivelyastheyhadwhenthey’dbeentiny,waitingfor
hertoeithertellthemthestrangeShifterwasafriend,orforthemtojoin
togethertoattackhim.

DenialsoknewtheyscentedJaceonher,andheronhim,andknownwhat

they’ddone.Beforetheaccident,they’dhavestartedteasingher.Nowthey
waited,uncertain.

“ThisisJaceWarden,”shesaid.“He’sstayingwithustonight.”
“Ohyeah?”JacksonfinallyeyedJace,thoughhedidn’tgosofarastopinhim

withadefiantstare.“Why’sthat?”

“Dylaninvitedhimouthere,”Denisaid.“ButDylan’sbeenarrested.”
Asshe’dguessed,theannouncementmadetheboysputasidetheir

nervousnessandbarrageherwithquestions,startingwithWhat?Areyou
serious?

JacehelpedDenifilltheminonthestory.OnceWillandJacksonweremore

relaxedwithJace,Deniwenttoherroom,washedup,changedherclothes,then
returnedtothekitchenandstartedputtingtogethersandwiches.Bigones.She
washungry.

TheboysandJacedevouredeverythingshesetdownonthetable.Deni

watchedhersonsrelaxevenmoreasJacetalked.Hereallydidhavetheknackof
puttingeveryoneatease.

Thesightofhimhulkingatthetable,shovelingdownroastbeef,ham,and

turkeyonthreedifferentkindsofbreadwhileWillandJacksonhungonhis
wordsmadeDeni’sheartacheagain.Thisiswhatsheshouldhavehadwithher
mateandcubs—afamily,laughing,talking,eating,sharing.Deni’smatehad
diedofillnesslongago,robbingDeniofthelifeshe’dwanted.Beingshoveled
intoaShiftertownhadbeenevenmorebewildering.Butthey’dmadeit,she,
Ellison,Jackson,andWill.

Heretheywere,andnowJaceseemedtocompletethepicture.
“Seriously,Mom,”Willsaid,hismouthfull.“Whydidyougotothefight

club?Youknowwhathappens...”

Denireachedacrossthetableforthebutterandslappedsomeontoherslabof

bread.“BecauseIwastiredofsittingathomehuddledupinashawl.Ronanand
Elizabethofferedtogivemealiftouttothefightclub,andItookthemuponit.
Ithoughtitwoulddomegoodtogetoutandhavefun.”

“Youcouldhavegonetothebar,”Jacksonsaid,frowning.“Safer.”
“Notreally.ToomanyhumangroupieslookingforaShiftertogrope.Plus,all

myfriendswereatthefightstonight.Iwantedtogo.”DenigaveJacksona
motherlyglare,andheshrugged.

“Speakingofgroping...”Jacksontrailedoff,deliberatelynotlookingatJace

orDeni.Willsnortedashetookanotherbite.

“Noneofyourbusiness,”Denisaid.
Jacesaidnothingatall,onlylookedamused.Hebetrayednoshame,noregret

fortheirquickencounterinthedarkness.

Theboysgottheirsnickeringin,butDenicouldtelltheywererelieved.Had

theythoughttheirmomwaswashed-up?Outoflifebecauseshesometimeswent
outofhermind?ThatmaybenootherShifterwouldwanther?

Jaceremainedsilent,lettingthemlaugh.Atonepoint,hecaughtDeni’sgaze

andwinked,andDeni’sbloodstartedtosimmer.Itreallywasdangeroustohave
himhere.

JacksonandWillretreatedtotheirroomafterthemealtowatchvideosand

sleep.JacecametoDeniwhereshelookedoutthewindowacrossthestreet,
wonderingifDylanwouldreturntonight,andwrappedhisarmsaroundherfrom
behind.

“Theyloveyou,”hesaid.
Denileanedbackintohiswarmth.“They’remycubs.”
“It’sgoodtosee.”Jaceletouthisbreath,heatticklingherear.“Ineverknew

mymother.Shediedbringingmein.”

Deniheardthesorrowinhiswords.Shepressedherhandoverhis.“I’mso

sorry.”

“It’salwaysmademealittletouchy,youknow?”Jaceheldhertighter.“Afraid

togettooclosetoanyone.Itcanhappensofast,losingsomeone.”

Sotrue.“Youhaveyourdad,”shesaid.“Andtherestofyourfamily.”Though

sheknewnoonecouldevertaketheplaceofalostlovedone.

“Ido.Andmydadhasdonesomeshitthat’sscaredmetodeath,trustme.”

Jacegavealittlechuckle.“Butit’smademecareful.”

Careful.Denihadlearnedtobethataswell.
Hisclosenessmadehernervous,andnotbecauseshedidn’tlikeit.Denibroke

hisholdandturnedaround.“Hopethecouchiscomfortable.Linensareinthe

closetinthehall.”

Hisgazesoughthers.“I’msureitwillbe.”Hetouchedherthroataboveher

Collar,fingertipscaressing.Hisjadegreeneyesdarkened,buthedidn’tspeak.
Whateverhisthoughtswere,hekeptthemtohimself.

“Goodnight,then.”Deniroseonhertiptoesandgentlykissedhislips.
Jaceslidonearmaroundher,turningthekissintosomethingdeeper.His

mouthwasapointofheatinthedarkness,theirlipsmeetinginsilence.

Jaceeasedaway,takinghishandsfromDeniandballingthemintofists,as

thoughstoppinghimselffromreachingforheragain.“Goodnight,”hesaid.

Deniswallowed,butdidn’tmove.“Goodnight.”
Jacetookastepback.“You’dbettergo.”
Goodthinking.IfDenistayed,she’dgrabhim,andthey’dgodownrighthere

inthelivingroom.Anotherchanceforthembothtolosecontrol.

“Sure,”shesaid.“Ifyouneedanything...”
Jacehelduponehand,fingersstiff.“Don’tsaythat.Toodangerous.Good

night,”herepeated,firmly.

Deninoddedandmadeherselfturnaround,walkdownthesmallhallway,and

enterherbedroom.Shelookedbackbeforesheclosedthedoor,seeingJace
standinginthelivingroom,rigid,large,solid.

Shuttingthedooronhimwasoneofthehardestthingsshe’deverdone.

***

Inthemiddleofthenight,CollarpaybackhitJace.

Heopenedhiseyesinthedark,sweatrollingdownhisface,painsmacking

himinthegut.Hestifledhisgroans—nousewakinguptherestofthehouse.

PaybackhappenedwhenaShifterpreventedhisCollarfromgoingoffwhile

hewasfighting.Helpedalotduringthefight,butafterwardtherewasalwaysa
backlash.Thesystemsrelaxed,theShifter’sadrenalinedissipated,andthe
suppressedpainwokeupandsaidhello.

Jace’snerveswereonfire.Thepainstartedathisthroatandpouredfromthere

intohisbody.Hedoubledup,stillonthecouch,rollingontohissideandsilently
fightingtheagony.

Smooth,coolhandstouchedhisskin.Jacehadstrippeddowntohisjeansto

sleepbuthadn’tputonanythingelse—he’dfoundenoughblanketsinthelinen
cupboardtokeephisbaretorsocomfortablywarm.

Deni’stouchcutthroughhispain.Shekneltonthefloornexttohim,the

fabricofherlongT-shirtbrushinghisbody.Sheworeabraceletonherright
wrist,athingoldchainwithasmallcharmthatsoothedwhenittouchedhim.
Shehadn’tbeenwearingitearliertonight,butmaybeshehadn’twantedtoriskit
gettinglostatthefightclub.

Jacetookadeepbreath,tryingtostillhisracingheartbeat.Denidrewher

handsuphischestandacrosshisshoulders.Afewhoursago,Jacewouldhave
foundthetouchsexual,invigorating.Samehands,samewoman,butnowshe
calmed.

Helaidhisheadonthearmofthesofa,forcinghisbodytoopenupfromits

crampedposition.Denimovedherhandsdownhischestandtohisabdomen,her
touchfirmbutcaressing.

Jacedrewinanotherbreath.Denileftswathsofreliefasshepulledherhands

acrosshim,pathsfreefrompain.

Sheleaneddownandkissedhischest.Jacewoundanarmaroundherand

pulledhercloser.Itfeltsonaturaltoholdhertohimlikethis.Maybehe’d
knownthiswomaninanotherlife,perhapsthey’dhadalovefortheagesthere.
Shiftersdidn’tbelieveinreincarnation,butJace’sfoggedbrainlikedtheidea.

Denikeptkissinghisbody,keptstrokingwithherhands.Herlipsweresoft

pointsonhishotskin,herhandssobeautifullyskilled.IfJaceweren’tinso
muchpainhe’dbearoused.He’dlovetopullheruptostraddlehim,toholdher
whileshefoundpleasureinhim.

Heletoutawhisperedgroan.Denikissedhislips,stiflingthesmallsound.
Jaceheldher,movinghislipstokissherback.Wonderful,sweetwoman.Her

touchunclenchedthetightnessinhim,featheringcomfortthroughhisbody.

She’drisenfromherbed,somehowknowinghewasinpain,andhadcome

outhere,evenafterthewarygoodnightthey’dshared.Jacehadmadesurehe’d
beenasquietaspossible,butshemusthaveheardhimorsensedhispain.

Jacekissedherlipsagain,strokingherhair.Iftheyhadtimeandfreedom,

they’dfindsomuchtogether.HewasFeline,sheLupine,hefromtheVegas
Shiftertown,shefromtheAustin.Distance,family,andlawskeptthemapart,but
atthismoment—whocared?

Deniraisedherhead.ShekissedthetipofJace’snoseandbrushedherhands

downhischestoncemore,thegoldchainwhispering.

“Better?”sheasked.
“Much.”
“Good.”Sheunfoldedtoherfeet,thehemofherlongT-shirtbrushingher

knees.Sheleaneddown,bathingJaceinherscent,andkissedhislipsoncemore.
Thenhertouchandkissweregone,Denimovingdownthehalltoherbedroom.

Jacelayback,thevestigesofhispainfading.“Goodnight,”hewhispered,and

fellintoadeep,untroubledsleep.

***

JacewalkedoutofthehousethenextmorningwithEllisonRowe,Deni’s
brother.Hewalkedout,eventhoughDeniwasn’tupyet,becauseEllison
escortedhimout.

JacehadbeensleepinghardafterDenihadgonetobedthesecondtime,when

he’dbeenjerkedoutofslumberbyabigShiftersittingdownonhim.

Bothmenhadcomeoffthecouchwithayellofrage,thenthey’dfacedeach

otheracrossthelivingroomrug.Ellison’spalehairhadgleamedinthe
moonlight,hisbigfistsclenched,hiseyeswolfwhite.Jacestoodbarefootin
jeansinanotherShifter’shouse,andforthat,thispackleaderhadarighttotear
himup.

Ellison’smate,asmallhumanwomannamedMaria,hadsteppedbetween

themandcalmlyaskedJacewhathewasdoinghere.Jacehadmetherbefore—
thewomanhadbeenrescuedfromaferalShifterinMexicoandbroughthere,
andEllisonhadfallenonhisassinlovewithher.

OnceJaceexplainedabouthisvisit,Dylan,andthefightclub,Ellisonhad

backedoffalittle.EllisonhadheardaboutDylan’sarrestandconcededthatJace
couldstay.ButthelookonhisfacewhenhescentedDenionJacewaspurefury.

Denihadn’twokenupduringthealtercation,butthen,they’dconductedmost

ofitaftertheirinitialshoutinsilence,withonlyalittlegrowling.Jacedecidedto
takeashower,tiredofpeoplesniffinghim,andbythetimehe’dcomeout,the
sunwasup.EllisonpointedlywalkedJaceoutofthehouseandstartedalongthe
streetwithhim.

“Mysister,”Ellisonsaid,“isgoingthroughsomeshit.”
“Shetoldmesomeofit.”Jacehoistedhisbackpackonhisshoulder,reflecting

thathe’dprobablyneedtofindsomeplaceelsetostaytonight.

“She’sscaredandstillhealing.Shedoesn’tneedtobeconfused.”
Thepissed-offferalinJacestartedrisingagain.Whydideveryoneassumehe

wasreadytotakeadvantageofDeni?Theyallneededtoleaveheralone,give
hersomespace.

“I’mnotheretoconfuseher.”Jacestopped,forcingEllisontofacehim.

Ellisonhadhiscowboyhatandbootson—helikedtoplaythebig,badTexan.
“Deni’sagoodwoman.”

“Iknow.I’velivedwithherallmylife.”Ellison’sgrayeyesheldworry

behindhisanger.“Keepitcool.Don’tlether...”

Hetrailedoff,asthoughunabletofindthewordstodescribehisgut-

wrenchingfears.

Jacedaredtoclosethespacebetweenthem,daredevenmoretoputhishand

onEllison’sshoulder.“I’dneverhurther,”hesaid.“Icanseeshe’sspecial.”

EllisonheldJace’sgazebutsoftenedit.“Sheis.”
Jacesqueezedhisshoulder.“Thenwe’regood.”
Ellisongavehimanotherlook,thenputhishandonJace’sshoulderinreturn.

Hissqueezewasalittleharderthannecessary,buthewasconceding.Two
Shiftersagreeingnottofight.Atleast,notrightnow.

EllisonwalkedawayfromJaceafterthat,andJacecontinuedonafewblocks

toahousethatwassetbackbehindanother.Behindthat,completelyhidden
fromthestreet,wasabrickgaragethatlookedlikenothingmorethananormal
garage.Jaceopenedthedoorandwalkedin,tobegreetedbyLiamMorrissey
andhisbrotherSean.

“Excellent,”Liamsaid.“Dadsendshisregrets...obviously.We’llget

started.”

ChapterFive

“TheystillhaveDylan?”Jaceasked.

Thegaragehestoodinhadbeenconvertedtoaworkshop.Twolongtablesran

thelengthoftheroom,flankedbyafewstools.Boltedtothebencheswerea
scrollsaw,adrillpress,andwhatlookedlikearouterinastand.Attheendof
onebenchwasajeweler’svisethatrotatedonahugeballbearingsotheworker
couldlookatapiecefromeveryangle.

Thebenchesalsoheldtools—everystyleofpliersandvisegrips,wiresnips,

knives,gauges,squares,rulers,andothermeasuringdevices.Boxesholding
silverbitsandjumplinkswerearrangedonthebenches,andasolderingironlay
nexttoacanofflux.

Afewhalf-builtpiecesoffurnitureandsometraysofjewelryhadbeensetup

inthecornersoftheroom,butJaceknewthosewereforverisimilitudeshould
humansfindthisworkshop.Thetrueprojectslayintheboxesofsilverpieces.
LiamandhisfamilyweremakingfakeCollarsandalsoresearchinghowto
removerealCollarsfromShifterswithoutmakingsaidShiftersinsane.

SeannoddedtoJace’squestion.“Dad’sstillinjail.Theywantedtokeephim

overnight.Kim’sworkingonit.”

“She’sgood,ismymate,”Liamsaid.“She’llmakethemseereason,oratleast

shovelegaleseatthemuntiltheychoke.”

SeanandLiam,inspiteoftheirhopefulwords,wereworried,Jacesaw.Both

menhaddeepshadowsundertheireyesandmovedabitstiffly.They’dprobably
beenupallnight.

“Sureyouwanttobeexperimentingonmyneckwhenyou’vehadnosleep?”

heasked,onlyhalfjoking.

“Don’tworry,lad.Wewon’tdomuchtoday.”
SeanunbuckledtheSwordoftheGuardianfromhisback,slidthebladeoutof

itsleathersheath,andlaidtheswordonthetable.Runesthatlookedancientand
powerfulweretracedalloverthesword,bladeandhiltalike.

JacehadseentheswordbelongingtotheGuardianinhisownShiftertown,but

thisone,heknew,wastheoriginal.Thefirst,madebyShifterswordmakerNiall

O’ConnellandwovenwithspellsbytheFaewomanAlanna,hadbeenpassed
downthroughthegenerationstoSean—themenoftheMorrisseyfamilywere
O’Connell’sheirs.

Shiftersdidn’tmuchgoinformagic,butJaceknewthetingleofitwhenhe

feltit.Therewasmagicinthesword,anditsvibrationpermeatedtheairofthe
room.

“Collars,”Liamsaid,seatinghimselfononeofthestools.“Faemagicand

humantechnologywoventogether.Crackingthatcodeisthetoughestthing.”

“How’sitgoing?”Jaceasked.“Anyprogress?”
“Some,”LiamcontinuedwhileSeansatdown,laidafewpiecesofsilver

togetheronthejeweler’sanvil,andclickedonthelightofthemagnifieraboveit.

“WecangettotheCollar’schip.”Liamtappedtheroundblack-and-silver

piecethatwasaCelticcrossrestingonhisthroat.“It’sinthere,wiredupand
readytogo.ThemagicpartisinthesilverthatweavesthroughtheCollar—most
ofthemagicisinthere,thatis.Whatwehaven’tfiguredoutishowthemagic
andtechnologytietogether.That’simportant,becausewhatfusesthemisalso,
wethink,whatfusestheCollartotheShifter’sneck.Itbitesintoournervous
systemandstaysthere.That’swhy,whenthefirstexperimenterssimplyripped
Collarsfromnecks,theShifter’sadrenalinesystemkickedintohighgear,
sendingthatShifterferal.Itwasasthoughyearsofinstinctsbeingsuppressedby
theCollarssuddenlysprangout,withtwentyyearsofragefuelingthem.”

Jacehadheardabouttheexperimentsofafewyearsago,donebyanidiotwho

hadn’tcaredthattheShifterswentcrazywhentheCollarscameoff.He’donly
wantedtheShiftersfreeofCollarsandunderhisthumb.Liamhadbeencaught
upinthebattletostopit.Liam,hisfather,andSeanhadtakenoverthe
experimentingandwerebeingmuchmorecarefulaboutit.

Liamcontinued,“WehavetofigureoutwhatitisthatmakestheCollarswork

asonepiece.Whatthatthirdelementis,sotospeak.Magic,technology...and
somethingthatslidesinbetween.”

“AndI’mtheguineapig?”Jaceasked.
“Onlyifyouwanttobe,lad.Wewon’tforceyou.”
ButthiswaswhyJacehadcome.He’dlearned,slowlyoverthelastyear,how

tocontrolhisCollar.He’dbeenteachinghisfatherandothersinhisShiftertown
howtodoit,andpreparinghimselfforCollarremoval.TheMorrisseyshad
learnedtomakefakeCollarsthatwouldfoolhumans,butonlytwoShiftersthus
farworethem—Andrea,Sean’smate,andTiger,aShifterwho’dbeencreatedby
humans.TigerhadneverwornaCollarbeforehecametoShiftertown,andwhen
they’dtriedtoputoneon,he’dgoneevencrazierthanhealreadywas.Liamhad
decidedafakeCollarforTigerwasthebestsolution.

AndreahadwornarealCollarmostofherlife,butstrangely,ithadnever

workedonher.AndreawashalfFae.Sean’stheorywasthatherFae-ness
somehowcounteractedthemagicinsidetheCollar.Orelseherhealingmagicdid
—Andreawasahealer.Andrea’sCollarhadcomeoffeasily,inanycase.

TheMorrisseysweretryingtoapplywhatthey’dlearnedfromAndreatoother

Shifters,buttheystillhadn’tfiguredoutthedetails.ItwastoughtofindShifters
stableenough,trustworthyenough,andwillingenoughtoletthemselvesbelab
ratsfortheCollarexperiments.Hence,Jace’stripstoAustin.

Jaceopenedhisarmsandshrugged.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”
Seanpickedupasolderingiron.“Bebestifyouheldstill.”
Jacelookedatthepencil-thindevice,whichhummedalittleasSeanturnedit

on.Thetipwouldbeturningbrutallyhot.

“Seriously?”Jaceaskedhim.
Seanattemptedtokeepaworriedlookoffhisfaceasheapproached,which

didn’tmakeJacefeelanybetter.“We’retryingtobothfindasafewaytoremove
theCollarsanddiscovertheirsecretatthesametime,”Seansaid.“Ivolunteered
myself,butDadandLiamwon’tletme.”

“Becauseyou’retheGuardian,”Jacesaidassweatbrokeoutonhisface.“If

thiskillsyou,rippleswillbefeltthroughoutShiftertown—theShifterworld,
even.Killme,andtherippleswillbesmaller.”

“Nokilling,”Seansaidquickly.“We’llstopshortofkilling.”
“Whew.”Jace’sheartbeatfaster,buthekepthisvoicelight.“Thankthe

Goddessforsmallfavors.”

“I’dlovetotellyouthiswon’thurt,”Seansaid.Heraisedthesolderingiron.
LiamclosedinonJace’sotherside.“Yougoingtobeallright,lad?Noripping

intous,Imean?”

AbeadofsweattrickleddownJace’sback,andhecurledhishandstofists.

“Let’sfindout.”

“Dadshouldbehere,”Liamsaid.“Buthetoldusnottowait.”
“Howdidhetellyou?”Jacekepthiseyesonthehottipoftheiron.“He’sin

jail.”

“He’sgoodatgettingmessagestous,”Seansaid.“Hewantsustostart.He

mustknowsomething.”

“Possibly,”Jacesaid.Heclenchedhisjaw,fiststightening.
SomethingcoldtouchedthesideofJace’sneck.Aknife—averysmall,

delicateone,wieldedbyLiam.Seanheldtheironcompetentlybetweensteady
fingersandbroughtitclosetoJace’sthroat.

“Theheatloosensthemetalwithouttearingyou,”Liamsaid.Hisknifenicked

Jace’sskin,justbarely.

“Youknowthishow?”Jaceasked.NeitherSeannorLiamanswered.Jace

didn’twanttomovehisthroatbyswallowing,buthecouldn’thelpbutlickhis
drylips.“Ah,soyoudon’tknow.”

“We’vedonealotofthinkingonthis,”Liamsaid.“Someone’sgottobethe

first.”

“SeansaidyoutookAndrea’soffwithaknifealone.”
“True,butAndrea’swasn’tfusedtohernervoussystem.Trustme,we’lldo

thisslowly.Onlyalinkortwotoday.Moretomorrowifitworks.”

“Ifitworks,”Jacerepeated.“Yourskillsatreassuranceareterrific,Liam.

WhatahellofaShiftertownleaderyoumustmake.”

“Stoptalking,”Liamsaid.“Stayvery,verystill.”
JacewasdoingthisforthegoodofallShifters,heremindedhimself.Shifters

foryearstocomewouldbenefitfromJace’ssacrifice.

Itwasthatword—sacrifice—thatJacewashavingtroublewithatthemoment.
Theknifebladecut.Atthesametime,Seandartedinwiththeiron.Searing

heatradiatedacrossJace’sneckanddownhisspine.Hefeltawildcatsnarlbegin
deepinsidebuthetampeditdownashardashecould.Ifheshiftednow,who
thehellknewwhatwouldhappentohim?

LiamandSeanbackedoffasswiftlyasthey’dgonein.Jaceopenedhiseyes

andshookhishead,thepaineasing.Heblinked,realizingheviewedtheother
twothroughcat’seyes.Herelaxedhishandsandfoundhe’dgougedhisown
palmswithleopardclaws.

Hedrewaraggedbreath,willingallofhimselftoresumehumanform.“Isthat

it?”

Liamshookhishead.“Startedit.Alittlebitmore,andwe’llhavealinkortwo

off.Thendrinksareonme.”

“It’seightinthemorning.”
“I’mthinkingyouwon’tcarewhattimeitiswhenwe’redone,lad.Plus,you

hadonehellofanightlastnight.Sodidwe.Beerisagoodthing.”

Jacedrewinadeepbreaththroughhisnose.“Allright,”hesaid.Hereleased

thebreath.“I’mready.”

SeanjammedtheironontoLiam’sknifeblade,andthesearingknifeslid

underJace’sskin.“Oh,sonofaf—”Jace’swordsbecameawildcatsnarl.He
slammedhiseyesshut,notwantingtoseetheworldrockifheshifted.

Theprocesstooklongerthistime.Liam’sbreathbrushedJace’sneckashe

leanedclose,hislion’sscentdifferentenoughfromtheFelinescentsJacehad
grownupwithtomakehisleopardalittlecrazy.

Afteranagonizingstretchoftime,Liamsteppedback,Seantookawaythe

iron,andthepain,mercifully,letup.Jaceopenedhiseyesagain,takingdeep

breathsuntilhiskillinginstinctscalmeddown.

Hisclothesweredrenchedwithsweat,hisbodyshaking.Jacewipedhisface

withthebackofhishandandmovedhisfingerstowardhisneck.

“Careful,”Liamsaid.“That’sgoingtobealittletender.”
Alittle?Jacebarelybrushedhimselfandjerkedhishandawayattherawpain.

“Isitoff?”

“Alinkandahalf,”Liamsaid.“Goodfortoday.”
“Alinkandahalf?”Jacespuntoagrimymirroroverasink.Sureenough,a

linkhadloosenedontherightsideofhisneck.Beneathitwasanangryred
mark.“Wecan’tletanyoneseethis.”

“No,”Liamagreed,whileSeanturnedofftheiron.“Isuggestascarfora

jacket.”

Jacket.Jacehadbroughtahoodieforcoolernights,andLiamhadpulledthe

linkwheresuchathingcouldhidethetraces.

Jacerummagedinhisbackpack.Theclothofthejacket,whenitsettled

againsthisneck,stung,butthesmallhurtwasnothingtowhathadgonethrough
himbefore.

“Whatnow?”Jaceasked.
“Beer,”Seansaid,slidinghisswordbackintoitsscabbard.“Lotsofit.And

tryingtospringmydadfromjail.”

***

DenikeptbusyinheryardafterWillandJacksonleftforwork.Mariahadgone
offtoschool,andEllisonwasback,snoringinhisbedroom,sleepingoffhis
night,leavingDenirelativelyalone.Shedidn’twanttositinthehousewaiting
toseewhetherJacewouldcomeback—thatwayledtobrooding,thento
craziness,andtoherferalwolfcomingout.

InshortsandaT-shirt,DeniplantednewbeddingflowersWillhadbrought

homeforher.TheweatherinAustinwasusuallydryenoughandwarmenough
forhertomixaridclimateplantslikeautumnsagewithwetterweatherplants
likepetuniasandroses.ManyShifterswentinforgardening,keepingtheirsmall
yardscolorfulthroughouttheyear.Anantidote,Denifigured,totherestlessness
thatmadethemwanttoroamandfight.Nestingascompensation,shesupposed.

Deniwasstraighteningupfromclippingoffafewdeadredroseswhen

warmthcoveredherfrombehind.

“Ipreferasarong,”Jacesaid,hisbreathhotinherear.

“Doyou?”Deninestledbackintohim.“I’llgetyouoneforyourself,then.Bet

you’dlookcuteinit.”

Hislaughstartedallkindsoffiresinsideher.Deniturnedinhisarms,still

holdingherpruningscissors.Shestartedtosmileathim,butshebrokeoff,
seeingthestreakofbloodonthesideofhisneck.

“Areyouallright?”
Jacemovedthecollarofhisjacketoverthewound.“Priceofwisdom.We

won’tknowwhatremovingtheCollarswilldountilweremovethem.”

“It’sstillon.”DenipointedattheCelticcrossatthehollowofhisthroat.Her

bracelet,whichshelikedtowearasoftenasshecould,clinkedlightlyagainst
thecross.Deni’smotherhadleftherthebracelet,areminderofhappierdays.

“Babysteps.IthinktheMorrisseyboysarethroughtorturingmefortheday,

oratleastthemorning.”

DenitouchedherownCollar.“Dotheyreallythinktheycangetthemoff?I

wonderif...”

JaceclosedhisfingersoverherhandasshestartedtotugatherCollar.“If

takingyoursoffwillstopyourepisodes?Idon’twantyouriskingthat,Den.
Whattheyjustdidtomehurtlikehell.Idon’twantyougoingthroughituntil
theyknowwhatthey’redoing.”

Denisqueezedhishand.“Whyareyougoingthroughit,then?Idon’twant

youhurtinglikehelleither.”

Jaceshrugged.“Someoneneedstogofirst.Whynotme?”
“Whyshoulditbeyou?”sheaskedindignantly.“LetLiamandSeantorture

themselves.”

“Thinkaboutit.”JacelacedhisfingersthroughDeni’s.“Sean’stheGuardian.

Liam’stheShiftertownleader.DylanneedstobeintactincaseLiamneeds
backup.Connortheirnephewistooyoungforthiskindofpain.Liam’strackers
—Ronan,Spike,Ellison—arematednow,withlittleones,orlittleonesonthe
way.I’mastrongenoughShiftertotaketheexperiment,andifsomething
irreversiblehappenstome,mydadandmyauntCassarealreadyrunningour
Shiftertown.I’munmated,havenocubs...”

“Meaningyou’reexpendable?”Denisnatchedherhandaway,angerrising

fromsomeplacedeep.“Noone’sexpendable,Jace.”

Jacegaveheratolerantlook.“You’renicetoworryaboutme.Now,how

aboutputtingonthesarong?”

Denimadeanoiseofexasperationandsmackedathimwithheremptyhand.

Jacecaughtherhandagainandtuggedhercloser,upagainsthishardbody.

Hisfacelostitsteasingexpression,andhisgriptightened.“Deni,youmake

megladtobealive.”

Shelookedupintohiseyes,whichheldfire,andsomethinginherthatshe

hadn’trealizedwastightunwounditself.

Denispreadherfingersonhischest.“Don’tletthemhaveitalltheirown

way.”

Jacegaveherastartledlookasthoughsurprisedatherdefenseofhim.He

leaneddownandkissedher,drawingthefirethathadalreadybeguninsideher.
Herestedhischeekagainsthersafterthat,rockingalittleasheheldher,warmth
towarmth.

Jaceliftedhishead,brushingDeni’shairfromherface.“I’mbeat.Toobad.I

washopingtodootherthingsthismorning.”

Thelightinhiseyeswassuggestive,buthedidlooktired.Exhausted.He

hadn’thadmuchsleepinthenight,andhe’dbeengoneatdawn.Deniwas
willingtobethehadn’teatenanythingeither.

“Takealoadoff,”shesaid,gesturingtotheporch.“Letmefinishhere,andI’ll

makealatebreakfast.Orearlylunch.Whateveryouwanttocallit.”

Jacegaveherasmileandkissedherforehead,tighteninghisgriponheragain,

butfinallyhelethergo.“LiamandSeanwenthometoconsumeaboatloadof
Guinness,”hesaid,movingtotheporch.Heshookhishead.“Irishmen.”

Helaughed,butDenigrewirritated.LiamexpectedJacetositstillwhilehe

andSeanpokedathim,andthentheydidn’tevenbothertofeedhim.

Shejerkedonhergardeningglovesastheporchswingcreaked—Jaceletouta

sighasherelaxedonit—andwentbacktohertaskofspreadingmulcharound
hernewplants.Afewrosestodeadhead,andthenshe’dgowhipupamountain
ofeggsandastackofbacon.Ellisonwouldbeupsoontoo,andsheknewhow
muchmaleShifterslovedtoeat.

Asmallcarpulledupacrossthestreet.DenistraightenedtowatchasKim

Morrisseydescendedinaneatskirtandblousewithlow-heeledshoes.Deni
sensedotherShiftersinyardsandonporchesdownthestreetcomingalert,
watchingtoo.

KimlookedoverandgaveDeniabriefwave,butherusualsmilesweregone,

herfacesetingrimlines.ThepassengerdoorhadopenedasKimgotout,and
Dylanemerged.

Deniletoutabreathofrelief.Dylanwassafe.ShesensedtheotherShifters

relaxaswell,andsawthemturnbacktotheirmorningtasks.

DylanglancedatDenithenwalkedswiftlyacrosstheroadtowardDeni’s

yard.Hepausedattheedgeofthebrowninggrass,toomuchaShiftertoinvade
Ellison’sterritorywithoutinvitation.HeonlycontinuedtowardDeniather
flowerbedwhenshegavehimanod.

Dylanlookedterrible.Hischeekswerecoveredwithblackstubble,thegray

thatbrushedhistemplesmoreprevalentthismorning.Hisfacewaslinedwith
dirt,hishairlank,hisclothessmellingofstalesmokeandsweat.

“Youallright?”Dylanaskedher.
“Ishouldbeaskingyouthat,”Denisaid,pullingoffherdirtyglovesand

droppingthemtotheground.Dylan’sblueeyeswerealwaysdifficulttolook
into,butDenimethisgazeforafewbeats.

“I’mgood,”Dylansaid,thoughitwasobvioushewasn’t.Heputafirmhand

onDeni’sshoulderandpulledherintoahug.“Youdidwelllastnight,lass,”he
said.Hisarmstightened,thealphagivingoneofhisfrightenedShifters
reassurance.

Agrowlsounded.Lowandvicious,itrolledoutfromtheshadows,itsthreat

clear.

Dylanjerkedaround,releasingDeni.Anansweringgrowlcamefromhis

throat,Dylantootiredtoworryaboutanykindofprotocol.AShifterthreatened
him—Dylanwasgoingtostrikehimdown.

IttookDeniasecondtorealizethattherumblehadcomefromJaceonthe

porch.Hewasstillsittingontheporchswing,butalert,upright,hiseyesglinting
intheshadows.

Shiftersinanother’sterritorywerealwayscarefulaboutwhattheydid—this

entireShiftertownwastechnicallyMorrisseyclanterritory,thoughthey
respectedtherightsandprivacyofindividualfamilies,packs,andprides.Buta
Shifterfromoutoftowncouldn’tthreaten,challenge,orcauseanyproblems
whenhewasaninvitedguest.Itwasn’tpolite,anditwasdangerousbesides.

SowhythehellwasJaceWardenleaningforward,hisgazefastonDylan,

growlingwithfullmenaceandreadytoattack?

ChapterSix

Don’ttouchher,Jace’sgrowlsaid.

HeknewDylanunderstoodhim,becauseDylanwasstaringbackatJacewith

fullcomprehension.Dylanwasalsoangry,theshortfuseofhistempernot
helpedbyhisnightinjail.

Jaceknewhewasviolatingallkindsofprotocol,buthedidn’tgiveacrap.

DylanhadputhishandsonDeni,andJacehadseenherfirst.

Afaint,logicalvoicedeepinsideJacetoldhimDylan’sreassuranceofDeni

wasnatural,andtheintruderinthispicturewasJace.

Jacekickedatthevoiceuntilitshutup.Heknewifherosefromtheswing,

there’dbeafight,andhewasn’tsurehewouldn’twelcomeit.IfDylanwasa
goodShifterandwentalonghome,Jacewouldlethimgo.Otherwise...

Dylanstartedfortheporch.Jacerecognizedthedeterminationinhisstride,

havingseenitinhisownfatheroftenenough.Dylanwascomingtoteachthe
upstartJacealesson.

Jaceheldhisplaceontheporchswing.Thelogicalvoicehadjustenough

volumetotellhimthatnooneinthisShiftertownwouldtakehissideinafight
againstDylan.Notinarealone.Thiswasn’tthefightclub—fightclubrules
didn’tapplyhere.

Dylanwasonthesteps,movingslowlybutmenacingly.Jacesawaflashout

ofthecornerofhiseye,andthenDeniwasleapingfromtheground,upandover
theporchrailingwithLupinegrace.Thefactthatshe’dcrushedoneofhernewly
plantedpetuniasasshemadethevaulttoldJaceofherapprehension.

DenimovedswiftlyinfrontofJace,facingDylanbeforehereachedtheporch

floor.

“He’stiredandhurt,”DenisaidtoDylan,wordscomingfast.“Likeyouare.

Letitgo.”

True,Jacewas.Buthewasalsoenraged.AfightwithDylanwouldbefun.

Lionagainstleopard—brutestrengthagainstfinesse.Whichwouldprevail?

DylanlookedatDeni,willinghertomove.Deniheldherground—goodfor

her.Dylangrowledalittle,thenhelookedaroundDenitoJace,hisblueeyes

goingShifterwhite.“Denisright,”Dylansaid,everywordslowanddeliberate.
HewasholdinghimselfbackfromthrowingDeniasideandgoingforJace,and
makingitclearhewasholdingback.“We’rebothexhausted.”Dylan’sgazewent
toJace’sneck,whereJace’sjackethadslidbackagaintorevealtheloosened
Collarlink.“Andyou’reinpain.Eatsomething.Sleepitoff.”

“Goodadvice,”DenisaidtoDylan.“Takeityourself.Neitherofyougot

muchsleeplastnight.”

Jaceremainedsilent,buthegaveDylanaslownod.Dylanrestedhisgazeon

Jaceforafewmomentslonger,theweightofhisstarepalpable,beforeheturned
andwalkedofftheporch.Hesaidnothing,notagood-byeoran
acknowledgment,onlystrodeawayandbackacrossthestreettowhereKim
waitedanxiously.

DeniwatchedDylango,herhandsonhershapelyhips.Jacecouldreachup

andclaspthosehips,pullingherbacktohislap.

Deniswungaroundbeforehecouldmove.“Areyouallright?Whyinthe

Goddess’snamedidyoudothat?”

Jaceshrugged,whichrubbedhisjacketagainsthissoreneck.“Ididn’tlikethe

wayhetouchedyou.”

“He’sShiftertownleader.”Denifoldedherarmsandglareddownathim.“It’s

hisjobtoreassureusall,tomakesureeveryone’sokay.”

“He’snotleaderanymore.”
“Nottechnically,no.ButLiamstillreliesonhimprettyheavilytokeepthe

peace.Didn’tDylaninviteyouhereinthefirstplace?”

“Hedid.”JacekneweverythingDenisaidwastrueandreasonable.Butthe

matingfrenzyonlyknewmateandstayawayfrommymate.

Timetoapologize,makeamends,tellDylanhedidn’tmeantobeanidiot.But

Jacedidn’twantto.HestillhurtfromLiam’sknifeandSean’ssolderingiron,
andheneededabreak.

Jacepressedhishandstohisthighsandrosetohisfeet.HelikedthatDeni

didn’ttakeastepbackbutremainedinhispersonalspace,asthoughshe
belongedthere.

“We’rebothtired,”Jacesaid.“Likeyousaid.Now,aboutthisbreakfast.Let’s

getsomethingstarted.I’mstarving.”

***

DeniwatchedJaceeat.Andeat,andeat.Sheputawayaplateofeggs,bacon,

andTexastoastherself,butJacekeptshovelingitin.Ellisonwokeupandjoined
them,ashungryasJace.

“Iguessnomorefightclubforawhile,”Ellisonsaidaftertheydiscussedwhat

hadhappenedwiththecops.“Damn.Shiftersneedtoworkoffsteamsomehow
orelsewecombust.”

“Youcanworkoffsteambycleaningouttheguttersandfixingtheroof,”Deni

said,pilingmoreeggs,cheese,andsalsaontobothmales’plates.“Thatwillcool
youdown.”

Jacelaughedoutloud.Hewassweetandsexy,fillinguptheplaceatthetable

asthoughhebelongedthere.

Ellisongrimaced.“Don’tbesoliteral,woman.”
“Justgivingyouanalternative,”Denisaid,resumingherseat.Jaceclosedhis

handoverhers,squeezingit,beforehereturnedtohisfood.“Iwouldn’twant
youtoburstintoflames.”

EllisonlookedoverJaceandDeni,hisgrayeyesshrewd.Hedidn’tpretend

nottonoticethesignalsbetweenthem,howcomfortabletheyweresittingclose
together.

Aknocksoundedonthebackdoor,andJacecameinstantlyalert.Hishand

jerkedonDeni’s,hiseyeslosingtheirdeepgreennessforalighterhue.

Atthesametimeapolicecarwentbythehouse,itsblackbodyandwhite

doorsslidingpastinsilence.Ellisonwentnoiselesslyforthedoorandopenedit
tofindasmallboywithwhitehairandblackeyesstandingonthedoorstep.

“Olaf,”Ellisonsaid,hisbodyrelaxing.“Maria’snothomeyet.”Maria,

Ellison’smate,oftenbabysatforeleven-year-oldOlaf,whowasapolarbearcub,
aswellasotherShifterkids.Shelookedafterthemwhiletheirparents—orin
Olaf’scase,fosterparents—worked.

“Ronansentmetotellyouthepolicearehere,”Olafsaid.
“Weseethat.”Ellisonturnedtowatchasecondcargopastthefrontwindows.
“They’regoingdoor-to-door,”Olafsaid.“CheckingID.”Helookedpast

EllisonandintothekitchenatJace.“Everyone’sID.”

Deni’sheartbeatspedinalarm.“DoesRonanknowifthey’relookingfor

someoneinparticular?”

Olafshookhishead.“No.They’rejustaskingforID.”HepeeredatJace,his

smallfaceblank.“What’sthematterwithhim?”

“Nothing,”Denisaidquickly.“Longnight.”
Olafdidn’tnod.HekeptstaringatJace,hisbrowpuckering.“He’snotright.”
Withthatdeclaration,Olafturnedfromthedoorandraninalopingstride

downtheporchstepsandacrossthebackyardtothenexthouse.

Ronanhadbeensmarttosendhimasanearlywarningsystem,Denithought

asEllisonclosedthedoor.Ifthepolicestoppedhim,allOlafhadtodowaslook
cuteandinnocent,andcharmthemsenseless.Hedidthatsowell.

Ellisoncamebacktothekitchen,hisshoulderstight.“Don’twehaveanew

ShifterBureauliaisontopreventthiskindofharassment?Ineedtohaveatalk
withTiger.”

“Maybeit’scomingfromadifferentdepartment,”Denisaid.“Notourbiggest

concernatthemoment.”

BothsheandherbrotherturnedtolookatJace.
“Shit,”Ellisonsaid.Deniwaited,tense.TheycouldhelpJace,butonlyif

Ellisonagreed.

Jacehelduphishands.“Ipromisenottotouchanything.”
EllisonwentpastDeniandintothehallbetweenkitchen,livingroom,and

bedrooms.“Shit,”hesaidagain,hisTexasaccentthickening.

“Nochoice,”DenisaidtoEllisonassheandJacefollowed.“Hedoesn’thave

timetogetaway.”

Ellisonputhishandonthefalsewallpanelinthemiddleofthehall.“You

knowthisisasacredtrust,”hesaidtoJace.“Right?”

“I’mfamiliarwiththeconcept,”Jacesaidimpatiently.
“Damnit,”Ellisonsaidunderhisbreath.“IfIstillhadapack,they’dkillme.”
“Iamyourpack,”Denisaid.“AndI’llspeakformysons.Jacegoesto

ground.”

WereJaceanyoneelse,DeniwouldbeasreluctantasEllisontoopenthedoor

behindthepanelingandletJaceseewhatwasinthere.ButthiswasJace,and
she’dlethimsootheherinthedarknessatthefightclublastnight.He’dkepther
fromgoingferal,hadgottenherhomesafely,andprovedshecouldstartgoing
backtohernormallifewithoutfear.Sheowedhim.

Theopeningdoorrevealedasetofcementstairsheadingdownintodarkness.

Thethreeofthempausedatthetopamoment,lettingtheairfrombelowcool
them.

Secretspaces.EveryShifterhousehadthem.Traditionallybuiltbelowthe

mainhouse,theyheldsecretsofthatShifterpackorclan,thingscollectedand
cherished,thepack’swealth.Shiftershadsurvivedallthesecenturiesbecauseof
thethingscontainedintheirvaults.Shiftersnowlivedtogetherabovegroundin
relativepeace—differentclansandspeciesrubbingelbows,orpaws—because
theykeptthispartofthemselves,placesonlyclosefamilywent,safely
underground.

ToletanunrelatedShifterseethesecretspaceswasunthinkable.Jacewasn’t

familyorclan—hewasn’tevenLupine.

Anotherknockcame,thisoneonthefrontdoor,andmuchfirmerthanOlaf’s.

“Mr.Rowe?”aman’svoicesounded.

Ellisonletoutagrowlandheadedforthefront.Jace,insteadofgoingdown

thestairs,spunandstartedafterhim,steppinginfrontofDeniasthough
protectingher.

“No!”Deniwhispered.ShegrabbedJacebythejacketandshookhim.“Get

downthere.”

Jaceswungaroundandgaveherastartledlook,asthoughhe’dhadnoidea

he’dgoneintohisprotectivestance.Hiseyeswerethelightgreenagain,his
Shifterrageapparent.

Deniknewhedidn’twanttogodownthestairswithouther,toleaveher

vulnerable.Butthiswasn’tthewild.Thiswasthehumanworld,andatthe
moment,sheandJacehadtoplaybytheirrules,orriskeverything.

“Down,”Deniwhisperedagain.
Jacefinallynodded,letherpushhimtothefirststair,andheldhergazeasshe

shutthedooronhim.Denihadthefalsepanelbackinplaceandwaswalkingout
towardthelivingroombythetimetwopoliceofficers,onearmedwithatranq
rifle,strodeinanddemandedtoseeherandEllison’sIDs.

***

Jaceremainedinthestairwell,pressinghisfiststothestonewall,draggingin
deepbreaths.Heknewhecouldn’triskthepolicefindinghim,buttheneedto
keepthemawayfromDenihadrisenswiftly,hisprimalfearforherdrivingaway
commonsense.

Hecouldhearthepolicethroughthethinpaneling,talkingtoEllisonand

Deni,askingwhereMariawas,andaboutDeni’ssons.Humanhearingwasn’tas
goodasShifters’,butJaceknewtheymightbeabletohearanynoisehemadeif
hewasn’tcareful.

Insilence,hewalkedtherestofthewaydownthestairs,hisFelineeyes

lettinghimseeinthedark.Atthebottomwasadoor,unlocked.Jaceopeneditas
noiselesslyashecould,slippedinsidethebasementroom,andclosedthedoor
behindhim.

Onlythendidhefliponeoftheswitchesbesidethedoor,onlyone.Asingle

lightcameoninthemiddleoftheroom.

Jacelookedaround.Nice.Themainroomheldsoft-lookingfurnitureand

openedtoakitchenlargerthantheoneupstairs,withmoreupscaleappliances.
Therefrigeratorwasstocked,hesawwhenheopenedit.AShiftercouldlive

downherecomfortablyforweeks.

AflatscreenTVhadbeenmountedtoawall,andagameconsoleandcontrols

satunderit.Jacesmiled.WillandJacksonmusthavefundownhere.Probably
Ellisontoo.JacethoughtaboutCassidyathishouse,andherprowessatthepool
table.Denilikelyheldherown.WhyShifterslikedtoplayRPGs,Jacehadnever
figuredout—theywereshapeshiftersandfightersinreallife—butgiventhe
opportunitytotakeanewidentityandkickatroll’sass,theycouldn’tresist.

Gameswereoff-limitsrightnow.Jacecouldn’triskthatthehumansupstairs

wouldn’thear.Shifterspaceswereusuallysoundproofed,butsoundproofingwas
onlysogood.

JacefiguredEllisonwouldwantJacetostandwithhiseyesclosedinthe

middleoftheroomandnotsmell,see,ortouchanything.Andthensomehow
wipehismemoryofeverythingthemomentheleft.Hehadtosmile.

Inanyothersituation,JacemighttrytokeepclearoftheRowefamily’s

secrets.ButthiswasDeni’splace.Itheldtheessenceofher,evenmorethanthe
houseupstairsdid.

Jacecouldn’tresiststoppingbythetallcabinetthatheldbooksanda

collectionofframedphotographs.Familyphotos.AtallcoupleJacedidn’t
recognizemustbeEllisonandDeni’sparents.Thephotowasold,butkeptwith
care.

AnotherolderphotoshowedDeni,muchyounger,probablyjustpasther

Transition,withamaleShifter.TheShiftermale,whohadblackhairandgray
eyes,wasaLupine,bigandrawboned,likemostofthewolves.Denileaned
againsthim,asmileonherface,lookinghappy.Deni’snamewasstillRowe,
though,Jasonmused.Shehadn’ttakenhermate’sfamily’sname,whichmeant
hermatehadbeenoflesserdominancethanher,probablymuchless.Thesedays,
itwasafemale’schoicewhichnametotake,butinthepast,thatchoicehadbeen
madeforherbywhicheverfamilywasdominant.Evennow,moredominant
familieswouldfighttokeeptheirdaughtersundertheirname.Denihadbeen
matedlongagoenoughthatshe’dlikelygonealongwiththetradition.

AnotherpictureofDenishowedherholdingtwowolfcubs,thepairbright-

eyed.WillandJackson,aspups.Deni’smatemusthavetakenthephoto,because
Denismiledoutofthepictureathim,hereyesfulloflove.

MorerecentphotosshowedDeniwithWillandJacksonastallyoungmen,all

ofthemwearingCollars.ThenoneofEllisoncuddlingthesmallhumanwoman,
Maria,bothgrinning.EllisonworeamorerelaxedexpressionthanJacehadever
seenonhim.

AnotherwasofDenialone.Theriverwasinthebackground,Deniina

bathingsuitandwrap,herhairwet,thegoldbraceletshelikedtowearonher

wrist.Shesmiledwithalltheanimationshe’dshowedwhenshe’dheldhercubs.
ThiswasDenihappy,withoutthehauntedlookinhereyes.Beforetheaccident,
Jacefigured.

Asuddensavagefuryroseupinhim,fillinghisthroatwithgrowls.She’d

beendeliberatelyrundownbyahumantryingtokidnapher.Thoughtheman
hadbeenkilled,Jacewantedtheculpritinfrontofhim,sohecouldhavethe
pleasureofrippinghisheadoff.

Hisragerosesoquicklythathestartedtoshift.ThenhisCollarshockedhim.
Thepainwasfierce.Jacedughisfistintohismouthtocutoffthescreamthat

hadwelledup,readytoburstout.

Sonofabitch.Heclosedhiseyes,tryingtobreathe,rapidlyrepeatingthe

meditationmantratocalmtheCollar.TheCollarshockedhimagain,andhe
balledhishandsinagony.

Whatthefuck?
Jacefoundhimselfonthefloor,armscurledaroundhislegsasherockedin

pain.Flashesofragewentthroughhim,followedbyjustasintenseflashesof
need.NeedforDeni.

Heneededhertouch,herkiss,tobreatheherscent.Herbodyagainsthis.

Anothertimeofpassionwithher,anothertimewhenhe’dburyhimselfinside
herandbe,foronceinhislife,complete.

“Shit,”hesaidoutloud.Thiswasn’tmatingfrenzy.Ormaybeitpartlywas.

ButJacerecognizedhissymptomsfromseeingtheminanunfortunatefew.
Rabidhunger.Intenseneedforsex.Quicktoanger,readytokill,especiallyto
protectwhatwashis.

OnlytwolinksofhisCollarhadbeenpulledaway,noteventhat,butithad

triggeredtheferalinhim.

Shouldn’tsurprisehim,hereflected.LiamhadsaidtakingofftheCollars

madetheinstinctssuppressedbyyearsofwearingthemburstoutinavolcanic
flare.Thetrickwouldbefiguringouthowtonegatetheeffect.

Fornow,Jacehadtocontrolhimself.Somehow.Thepoliceupstairswere

interrogatingthewomanhewanted...buthecouldn’tthinkaboutthat.Ifhe
did,he’drushupthereanddestroythemall.

Keepittogether.
Funny,ithadbeeneasytotellDenitokeepherselfcalm.Difficulttoconvince

himselftodosonow.

Jaceyankedopenthedoorofthecabinet—hestoppedhimselffromsimply

smashingtheglassandputtinghishandthroughit.Hetookoutthephotoof
Denibyherself,smilingcheerfullyoutathim.

Hetouchedherfacewithhisfingers,drawingadeepbreath.LookingatDeni

kepthimcool,butbarely.

Jacehadtoknowwhatwashappeningupstairs.WeretheytakingawayDeni

inapatrolcar,arrestingherforwhateverreason?

Heclutchedthepicturetohischest,tryingtostillhisneedtorunupthestairs

anddragDenitosafety.Hehadtothink.

Jacewassmart—he’ddesignedmostoftheundergroundspaceanditsgadgets

inthehousehesharedwithhisdadandfamilyintheVegasShiftertown.He’d
beenrecruitedtodesignthespacesinthenewhousesbeingbuiltoutthereas
well.Whathadhedonetomakesuretheywouldn’tgettrappedintheirown
hidingplaces,withoutknowingwhatwasgoingonintheoutsideworld?

HemovedtotheTV,madesurethesoundwasallthewaydown,andclicked

iton.Alittlebuttonpushingontheremote...yes,they’ddoneittoo.Ormaybe
they’dfollowedJace’sdesign,whichEriclikedtobragabout.

OneoftheTVchannelsmonitoredtheupstairs.Ellisonmusthaveputcameras

inthebiglivingroomandoneonthefrontporch.Theyfocusednow,showing
DenistandingnexttoEllison,bothsheandherbrotheruprightbuteasy,without
defiance.

Fourcopsbarredtheirwayoutoftheroom,thefemaleonewiththetranqrifle

talkingtothem.EllisonandDenianswered,standingcasually,tryingnotto
betraynervousnessthroughbodylanguage.Humanswerenotasgoodatreading
nonverbalsignalsasShifters,butsomecouldbegoodatit,especiallythepolice
senttodealwithShifters.

Jaceinchedupthevolume,butthesoundwastoomuffledforhimtomakeout

whattheyweresaying.NoonewaslungingtoputEllisonorDeniincuffs,
fortunately.Justcopstalkingtocitizens,citizenswhohappenedtobeShifters.

Jacesatdownonthecouch,unwillingtolookaway.HehuggedDeni’spicture

tohimalmostwithoutrealizingit.Hewasstillhuggingitwhenthecopsfinally
leftthehouseandDenicamedownstairstofindhim.

***

JacewasoffthecouchandatthebottomofthestairsassoonasDenisteppedoff
them.Denifoundherselfcaughtinahardhug,Jaceliftingherfromherfeet.

“It’sallright,Jace,”shesaidquickly.“I’mallright.”
Jacegrowledandburiedhisfaceinherneck.Deniheldhim,thesolidnessof

hisbodyagainsthersslowingherracingheart.

“Youtouchedstuff,”Ellisonsaid,halfjoking.HewentpastJace,snatchedthe

remoteoffthecouch,andclickedoffthetelevision.Hestartedtoclosethe
cabinetdoorandstopped.“Youtouchedmorestuff.”

DenitooktheframedphotoofherselffromJace’shand.Shehadtotugatit

beforeheblinkedandletitgo,asthoughhe’dforgottenhewasclutchingitso
tightly.DenihandedittoEllison,whorestoredittothecabinet,notbefore
givingJaceasharplook.

“Didyouhearwhattheysaid?”Deniasked.
“Notwell.”Jacereleasedherfromthehugandtookafirmholdofherhand.

“Ionlysawtheydidn’tarrestyou,thanktheGoddess.Whathappened?”

“They’reinterestedinwhatShiftershavebeenuptolately,”Ellisonsaid.

“Veryinterested.Lookingatidentification,askingwherewe’reworking,what
we’redoingwhenwe’renot.”

“Havetowonderwhythey’reaskingallthesudden,”Jacesaid.“RightafterI

arrived.Idon’tbelieveincoincidences.”

“NeitherdoI.”EllisonandJacesharedagrimlook.“Ihatetosaythis,but

you’dbetterstaydownhereawhile.They’rerovingShiftertown,andprobably
won’tbeleavingsoon.”

DenisawtheflashinJace’seyes,thewildlookshesawinherselfsometimes.

Trapped.

Shetouchedhisarm.“I’llstayherewithyou.”
Jace’slookchangedinaninstanttosomethinghungryandraw,hiseyesgoing

verylightgreen.“Youshouldn’t.”

“You’rehurting.”DeniputherfingerstotheredmarksaroundhisCollarbut

shedidn’ttouchthem.“Becauseofthis?”

“Idon’tknow.”Jace’shandwassweating,slickagainsthers.“Ithinkso.”
“IknewLiamwascrazy,”Ellisonsaid.“Goingonaboutreleasingusfrom

Collars.I’mgoingtogogetDylan,havehimlookinonyou.”

“Becareful,”Denisaid.
Ellisontippedanimaginarycowboyhat.“I’malwayscareful,ma’am,”he

drawled,thenwentpastthemandupthestairs.

“Let’ssitdown.”DenistartedtoleadJacetothesofa,buthedidn’tbudge.His

bodywasstrong,abouldershecouldn’tmove.

“Den,youshouldgetoutofhere.”Hisgripwastight,hishandhot.
Deni’sheartbeatfasterasshetouchedhiswristandfoundhispulsebanging

beneathherfingers.“IthinkIshouldstay.Ellisonwillberightback.”

“No,go!”Jacepushedather,hisbreathcomingfast.“Ifyoustay,Idon’t

knowwhatI’lldo.Iwantyou—lastnightwasn’tenough.Iwantithard,andI
wantitnow.Don’tletmetakeitfromyou.”

Deniletgoofhishand,butsheremainedsquarelyinfrontofhim.AShifter

goingferalandfeelingmatingfrenzywasadangerousthing.Jacecoulddo
anything,evenkillher,ifhewascrazedenough.Sheunderstoodthat.

Ontheotherhand,inmatingfrenzy,onlythematekeptaShifterfrom

completelylosinghismind.ShethoughtofJacebehindheronthemotorcycle,
warmingherandgivingherthestrengthtocutthroughherfearsandgetthem
home.He’dbeenwithhereverysecond,andhe’dheldherinvictorywhenshe’d
madeit.WhenJacehadtohidedownhere,Denihadreasonedthatsheowed
him.Shestillbelievedthat.

“I’mnotleaving,”shesaid.
Jace’seyesturnedallthewaywhite.HegrabbedDenibythewristsand

hauledheragainsthim.

ChapterSeven

DenilandedagainstJace’schest,hisskinhotthroughhisthinshirt.Hisjacket’s
zipperrubbedDeni’sarms,thefrictionofitreleasingtheheatinherownbody.

Jace’skisswashard,openinghermouth,hisgriponherwristscrushing.But

Deniwasstrong,hadalwaysbeenstrong.Shecouldnothaveenduredsomuch
withoutstrength.Sheroseonhertiptoes,kissinghimback,herbodyfittingto
his.

Jaceraisedhishead,breakingthekiss.Hislipswereparted,themoisture

insidehismouthbeckoningher.Deniknewhistastenowandcravedmore.She
alsoknewwhathefeltlikeinsideher,andshewantedthatagain.Shewantedhis
firmbodyontopofhers,wantedtheheatofhisthruststofillher.Denireached
forthebuttonofhisjeansandsliditopen.

Jacetightenedhisfingersonherwristagain.“Don’tplaywithfire.”
“I’mcold,”Denisaidinalowvoice.“Warmmeup.”
Jacewasstrugglingwithcoherence.“Ellisonwillbebacksoon,yousaid.”
Shegavehimahotsmile.“Thenweshouldhurry.”
“Bloodyhell.”
Deniunzippedhisjeans.Hehadn’tbotheredwithunderwearthismorning,she

foundasshedippedherhandinside.Hiscock,hardandhot,tumbledintoher
hand.

Jaceletoutagroan.HejerkedDeniagainsthim,hisarmsolidlybehindheras

shelightlystrokedhim.“Gods,woman.”

“Youwokemeup,Jace,”shesaid.“Iwanttothankyouforthat.”
“Inthemiddleoflastnight,youmean?”Hiswordswerestrained.“Iwas

feelingpaybackfromthefight.Triedtokeepitquiet.”

“YouknowIdon’tmeanthat.”Denisqueezedhiscockuntilheletoutanother

noiseofpleasure.

“Damn.”Jacetuggedherhandfromhimbutonlytoliftherintohisarms,

kissingherwithaferocitythattastedoffire.

Thesofawasnear.JacetippedDenibackoveritsarmuntiltheybothfellonto

itscushions,armsandlegsbumpingandtanglingineachother’s.Denilaughed.

Thelaughterprobablysavedher,shethoughtlater.Jaceshookhishead

slightlyasthoughclearinghismind,andhiseyestookonajadehueagain.He
slowedhiskissestosomethingtender,lipssoftonDeni’s.Sheranherfingers
throughtheshortendsofhishair,likingthewarmbrushofit.

Jaceunbuttonedhershorts,tuggingthemdownandoffwithacontortionof

bodiesthathadthemlaughingagain.Hisjeanslandedonthefloorontopofthe
shorts,andthentheywerebodytobody.Denitookhandfulsofhisjacket,but
beforeshecouldstarttocoaxitoff,Jaceslidinsideher.

Allthewayin.Lastnighthadbeenwildandfast,arawcouplingattheedge

ofaparkinglot.Noweverythingstopped.JacelookedintoDeni’seyes,theferal
Shiftersofteningintoaman,hard-facedbutwarm-eyed.

Hefilledher,hisbreathslowingashelayonher,touchingherface.The

pressureofhiminsideherloosenedherentirebody,andDeniwrappedherself
aroundhim,drawinghimin.

Jaceclosedhiseyes,lettingoutanothersoftmoan.Hekissedhermouth,

givinganiptothecornerofit.

Afteramoment,heopenedhiseyesagainandstartedtomove.Slowthrusts,

intensitybuildingaseachonecompleted.Jaceheldhergaze,hiseyesadark
greennow.Thefrenziedanimalhadcalmed.NowitwasjustDeniandJace.

Deniarchedunderhim,Jace’sthrustscomingfaster.Herbackpressedintothe

sofa’ssoftfoamcushions,allthewaydowntothesprings.Sheheldhimclose,
laughingintohishairasthespringsstartedtosqueak.

“Goddess,youarebeautiful,”Jacewhispered,featheringkissesoverherface.

“Icameheretofindyou;IknowIdid.”

He’dbeentothisShiftertownbefore,butDeniknewwhathemeant.They’d

beenreadytomeetlastnight.

ThesoftfleeceofJace’sjacketfeltgoodtoDeni’shands,thezipperrough

againstherpalms.Ashekissedher,shecouldagainseewhereonelinkofhis
Collarandpartofanotherhadbeentakenoff,hisskinangryredbeneath.

He’dbeenreadytokillDylanontheporch,andthepolicewhenthey’d

knockedonthedoor.ThelooseningCollarwaslettingouthisferalinstincts,she
guessed.Liamhadexplainedtoherwhenshe’dfirstconsideredtryingtotake
herCollaroffthatsuchathingmighthappen.Butfornow,Jacegentledhimself,
lovingherwithoutmadness.

Hekeptthrusting,andDenimovedunderhim,meetingthosethrusts.His

jacketheldhisheat,andsheslidherhandsintoit,findinghishardbackbeneath.
Jace’shonedbodywassleekunderhertouch,thelithedanceofhismuscles
exciting.

Theywerebothbreathinghard,utteringlittlegroans,holdingontoeachother

whenheavyfootstepssoundedontheothersideofthecouch.

Apairofbrawnyfistsjammedtothebackofthesofa,andDenilookedupin

timetoseeEllisonspinawayinhalfdisgust,halfirritation.“Areyoukidding
me?”Ellisongrowled.

Jacesaid,“Shit,”andtheferalwhitenessreturnedtohiseyes.Hewasupoff

thesofa,hisjacketfalling,butitwasn’tlongenoughtohidehisprivates.Deni
sawhiscock,stilldarkandhardfromwhatthey’dbeendoing,blackhaircrispat
itsbase.

DeniknewDylanwasupstairs,awayfromtheirbasementsanctuary,of

course.Ellisonkepthisbacksquarelyturned.Thatbackwasquivering,butDeni
couldn’ttellwhetherfromrageorlaughter.Alittleofboth,probably.

“Goddess,Den,he’saFeline,”Ellisonsaid.Heshookhisheadwithout

turningaround,theoverheadlightgleaminginhisblondhair.“Bothofyouget
yourassesupstairs.Afteryou’vecoveredthem.”

Hegaveonemoreshakeofhisheadandstartedforthesteps.Hiscowboy

bootsgratedonthecementstairs,thenhewasgone.

Deniswallowed,tampingdownherneedtoburstintohystericallaughter.“I

guesshewasfasterthanIthoughthe’dbe.”

Jacedidn’tsmile.“Heneedstorespectyou.”
Denisatup,pushingherhairfromherface.“Hejustcaughtyoumakingthe

beastwithtwobackswithhislittlesister.Givehimabreak.”

Jacegrowledagain,thenhereacheddownandhelpedDenitoherfeet.Asshe

cameoffthecouch,hepulledheragainsthim.“Youallright?”

“Yes.”Denitrulywas.Sheshouldbeembarrassedatbeingcaughtbyher

brother—atbeingrecklesslikethis.Butshewasn’t.Itseemednaturaltobe
couplingwithJace.Shifterscelebratedsex,becauseitmeantlife,cubs,
continuance.Shewouldn’tapologizeforit.

“Whataboutyou?”Deniasked.Jacewasshaking,buthisholdonherwas

strong.

“I’llbeokay.”Jacetookalongbreathandpulledherintoatighterhug.His

barecocktouchedherabdomen.“Igetitnow—whatyoumustgothroughwhen
youstartlosingtrackofwhoyouare.Ishouldn’thavemadelightofit.”

Denilookedupathiminalarm.“Areyoulosingtrackofwhoyouare?”
“Notquite.”Jacekissedherhairandrestedhischeekonthetopofherhead.

“Butalmost.YoukeepremindingmewhoIam,though,allright?”

***

“They’relookingforsomeone,”Dylansaidwhentheyemergedupstairs.

Theyspokeinthekitchen,wherethewindowswerehigh,small,curtained,

andlookedouttothebackyard.Thewidewindowsofthebungalow’sliving
roomwereoutofbounds.

Jacedidn’tlikehumanpolicerovingShiftertown,butrightnow,hisbody

hummedfromthenearnessofDeni,andtherememberedjoyofbeinginherone
moretime.

Helovedthesweetnessofherscent,todaycoupledwithfreshearthfromher

digginginthedirt.Thetasteofherfilledhimlikeheadywine.Hewasimprinted
withhernow,thefeelofhersoftthighsagainsthislegs,thewayshesqueezed
himwhenhepressedinsideher.

“Jace?”Denisaid.
Shewasn’ttryingtogethisattention,herealizedafteraheartbeat.Shewas

askingDylanifJacewastheShifterthepolicewerelookingfor.

“Theydidn’tsay,”Dylananswered.“Idon’tevenknowifthey’relookingfor

aShifter.Theyhadatip-off,Igotoneoftheofficerstotellme,aboutthefight
club.Itoldthemthere’salwaysrumorsofaShifterfightclub,becausehumans
findittitillating.SameasrumorsofShifterhookers.”

Shifterwomenneversoldsex,neverhad.ButShifterwomencouldbe

promiscuous,becauseShiftersdidn’tfindsexshameful.AslongasaShifterwas
unmated,theycouldhaveasmanypartnersastheywanted.Notalllikedtogo
roaming,butsomeShifterwomenspreaditaround.Humansconfusedthatwith
thesextrade;hence,therumors.

“Tip-offfromahuman?”Ellisonasked.
“Theywouldn’ttellmethat.”Dylan’seyesglinted.“WhatShifterwould

betrayus?”

Ellisonshrugged.“Onepissedoffforsomereason.AtotherShifters,orat

you.Broderickspringstomind.”

“Hesprangtomymindtoo.I’llbehavingatalkwithhim.”Dylan’sIrish

accentmadethewordssoundcasual,butJaceheardthesteelbehindthem.

“Ifthey’regoingdoor-to-door,whatabouttheworkshop?”Jaceasked.
Dylanshookhishead.“Theyhaven’tfoundityet.Lielowhere,andI’llsend

foryouwhenit’sclear.Ifitis.”DylanlookedJaceupanddown.“Wemight
wanttostoptheexperimentanyway.It’saffectingyou.”

“Agreed,”Denisaidquickly.
Jaceshookhishead.“No,we’llnevergettheCollarsoffbybeingafraidto

havethemoff.Iwanttokeepatit.”Itwastemptingtoturnhisbackonthe
agony,andSeanwithhissolderingiron,andrunforhome,butlearningallthey
couldabouttheCollarswastooimportant.Besides,Deniwashere.

“We’llsee.”Dylangavehimanotherhardlook.Jaceknewhisdisplayonthe

porchhadnotwonhimanyfavorsfromDylan,butJacehaddefinitelynotliked
DylantouchingDeni,eveninnocently.

“Whydidyouwantmetomeetyouatthefightclub?”Jaceaskedhim.“I

couldhavecometoShiftertownandwaitedforyou.”

Dylan’sfaceshuttered.“Forreasonsthatarenolongerimportant.Don’tleave

thishouseuntilIletyouknowit’sallright.Catchuponsleeporsomething.”
DylanglancedfromJacetoDeni.“Imeanrealsleep.”

Jacedidn’tbothertoanswer.Deniwentpink,butonlybecauseEllisonwas

rollinghiseyes.

***

EllisonagreedthatJacecouldstaydownstairsuntilDylangavetheallclear.
Safer,hesaid,incasethecopstriedtosurprisethem.Policehadbeenknownto
walkrightintoShifterhouses,therulesaboutwarrantsbeingalittlerelaxed
whenShifterswereconcerned.

DeniwasgladEllisonsharedherworryforJace,thoughEllisonwasabit

grumpyaboutit.FindingJaceandDeniinflagrantehadn’tbeenthehighlightof
hisday,hesaid.

“It’snotlikeI’venevercomehometoyouandMariainthelivingroom,”

Deniremindedhim.

Ellisongaveheraninnocentlook.“That’sdifferent.”
“Myass,”Denisaid,sendinghimasmile.
“Iknowitwas,andIdon’twanttoseeitagain,”Ellisonsaid.“OrJace’s.

Yetch.”

Atleasthewasteasingnow,evenifhewasannoyed.
WhenWillandJacksonreturnedhome—Jacksonworkedforamoving

companyandWillatawarehouse;humanslikedShifterstrength—Ellison
apprisedthemofthesituation.Maria,nowgrowingplumpwithEllison’sfirst
cub,washomebythattimetoo.Shewastakingclassesatacommunitycollege
inpreparationforenteringtheuniversitynextyearandspenttherestofherday
takingcareofShiftercubs.Mariahadlostthehauntedlookshe’dwornsince
she’dbeenrescued,andEllisonhadlosthislookofdeeploneliness.NowifDeni
couldjustlosehers.

Theyplayedvideogamesinthebasement,Jaceprovingtobeverygoodat

them.Will,whowasturningouttobeacomputergenius,hadahardtime

keepingupwithhim.

DeniworriedthatthegamesmightstartdrawingoutJace’sferalanger,but

theydidn’t.Maybeknowingitwasn’treal,onlypixelsonascreen,madea
difference.Deniwasneverupsetbythegameseither.Butthen,gameshadno
scent,notexture.Shiftersweremorestimulatedbythingsthatassaultedallthe
sensesatonce.

BythetimeWillandJacksonwenttobed,they’dexpressedmorerespectfor

Jace.Hemightbetwentyyearsolder,buthisknowledgeofgamesandcomputer
programminghelpedhimriseintheirestimation.

BeforeDenicouldstartarguingwithEllisonthatshewantedtostay

downstairsandsleepwithJace,Seanarrivedatthebackdoortotellthemthe
policehadgone,hadbeenforseveralhours.

“Butwewantedtowaituntilwewerecertain,”Seansaid,loungingagainstthe

kitchendoorframe,hisswordgleamingundertheporchlight.“Didn’twantthem
doublingbackandsayingjustfooling.”HeglancedatJace,whostoodbehind
Ellison,JaceconcedingEllison’splacetoguardthehouse.“Youreadyformore
torture,lad?”

“You’renotgoingtodomoretonight,areyou?”Deniaskedsharply.“Leave

Jacealone.Heneedstorest.”

“Liamwantstocontinueundercoverofdarkness,”Seansaid.“We’llleave

sleepingfortheday.Felinesaremostlynocturnalanyway,lass.”

“It’sallright,”Jacesaid.“Iwanttofinishthis.”Helookedlesscrazed—

maybegamingdidhaveagoodeffectonthemind.“Liam’swaitingthere?”

“Liam’satthebar,asusual,incasewhoeveriscallingintip-offsreportsany

out-of-the-ordinaryactivity.MeandDadwillbeworkingonyoutonight.Plusa
littleextrahelp.”SeanlookedatEllison.“LiamsaysyouandMariaaretogoto
thebar.Laughitup,talktoyourfriends,havefun.Youtoo,Deni.”

“Nope.”DenitookastepclosertoJace.“I’mgoingwithhim.YouMorrisseys

aretooeagertodigknivesintohim.Someoneneedstobetherewho’sonhis
side.”

Seanliftedbothhandsanddidn’targue.OfthetwoMorrisseybrothers—

muchalikewiththeirdarkhairandblueeyes—Seanwasthemoreeasygoing.If
DeniwantedtothrowherlotinwithJace,Seanwassaying,whowashetostop
her?

Ellisonwasn’thappytoletDenigototheworkshop,butMariatookDeni’s

side,sayingshewouldn’tletEllisongoaloneifshehadtomakethesamekind
ofchoice.Theladiesprevailed,toDeni’ssatisfaction.

Theyleftthehousetogether,EllisonandMariabreakingawaytowalktothe

bar,Ellison’sarmfirmlyaroundMaria’swaist.SeanandDeniputJacebetween

them,withJacewalkinginthehunchedmannerhe’dbeentakingon,thehoodof
hisjacketuptohidemostofhisface.

Denicaughtawhiffofastrangescentwhentheyapproachedtheworkshop’s

door,onethathadherhacklesrising.Thewolfinherwasgrowling,andshefelt
thebiteofnauseathatwasapreludetoherlosingherself.SheclutchedJace’s
arm,andhesteppedawayfromSeantoher.

“Whatisit,sweetheart?”
“There’ssomeone...”
“Iknow,”Jacesaid.“Ismellit.”
Itwasanacridodor,oneripewithancestralmemory.Seansaid,“Noworries.

Thatwillbethefather-in-law,”andheusheredtheminside.

ChapterEight

Jacesteppedintotheroomandfacedastrangeapparition.Atallman,sotallhe
lookedstretched,turnedtowardthem,ametallicwhispersoundingashemoved.
Hewasdressedinchainmail,whichwascoveredwithacloaksoblackitwas
likeanopeningintodarkness.Theman’shair,incontrast,waspalewhite,and
fellindozensofbraidspasthiswaist,buttheeffectwasn’teffeminate,norwas
heelderly.Theman’sfacewassharp,hisdarkeyesrivalinghiscloakforthe
deepesthueofblack.Heworeabroadswordonhisback,onelargerthanthe
SwordoftheGuardian,itshiltstickingupabovehishead.

Deniwasstillgrowling,andJace’ssnarlsfilledhisthroat.Anancientenemy

stoodbeforethem,andthoughJacehadseenthismanbeforeonothertripsto
Austin,theshockofhimbeingheremadehiswildcatalittlecrazy.

“YourememberFionn,”Seanwassaying.HeeyedJacewarily,asthough

readytostopJace’sattack.“Mymate’struefather.”

AndreaMorrissey,Sean’smate,appearedontheothersideoftheFae,

flankinghiminaprotectivemove.Andrea’sdarkheadwasup,hergrayeyes
daringJaceandDenitodoanythingagainstFionn.

AndreawashalfFae,halfShifter.Fionn,Jacehadbeentold,hadcometothe

humanworldfortyorsoyearsago,seekingrefugeduringsomeunknownFae
war.He’dmetandfalleninlovewithaShifterwoman,aLupine,who’dthen
borneAndrea.ForcomplicatedFaereasons,hehadn’tbeenabletostay,and
AndreahadbeenraisedbyhermotherandaShifterstepfather.Andreahadhadit
toughasahalfFaegrowingupamongShiftersandhadn’tmethertruefather
untilafewyearsago.NowAndreawasmatetotheGuardian,andnoone
hassledheraboutherorigins.Nottoherface,anyway,andneverwithinSean’s
hearing.

FionnhadprovedhimselftobeontheShifters’sideinmanycases,butthe

sightofaFaestillmadeJacewanttoshift,fight,andkill.TheFaehadcreated
thefirstShiftersmanycenturiesago,breedingthemtobefightingslaves.The
ShiftershadfinallybrokenawayfromtheirFaecaptors,stayinginthehuman
worldwhiletheFaeretreatedpermanentlytoFaerie.TheShifter-Faewarhad

endedsevenhundredyearsago,butstillShiftershadatoughtimeevenlooking
ataFae.

Jaceclearedhisthroat.“IassumeyoucametohelpwiththeCollars?”
Fionncurledhislip—Faewerealwayspronetosneering.“No,Icamefora

barbeque.Haven’tgotmyfillofTexasribs.”Heturnedhisdisdainfuldarkeyes
toSean.“WhyyouthinkIcanhelp,Idon’tknow.I’mawarrior,notamagician.
Idon’tknowanythingabouttheFaemagicintheseCollars.”

AndreaputherhandonFionn’sarm.Fionnsoftenedasheturnedtohis

daughter—theonlypersonJacehadeverseenFionnbeniceto.“Butyoumight
havesomeinsightintotheirconstruction,”Andreasaid.“It’sFaetechnologyas
wellasFaemagic.”

Fionnpattedherhand.“We’vehadthisdiscussionbefore.Idon’tknow

anythingaboutwhatFaedidwithShifters.ShifterswereoutofFaerie,neverto
return,beforeIwasborn.IcanseewhereShifterswouldhavebeenusefulin
battle,butIforonewouldn’twanttoputupwiththembetweenwars.I’dhaveto
cagethemuptokeepthemfromkillingme,andthey’dcostafortunetofeed.”

Denimadeagrowlingnoiseinherthroat.“GoodthingwewontheShifter-Fae

war,then.”shesaid.

“Yes,goodthing,”Fionnanswered.“Savedmealotofbother.”
AndreashotFionnafrown.“Sorry,myfatherenjoysbaitingShifters.He

thinksit’sfun.”

“Imaybelookingforamusementinthesituation,butIalsospeakthetruth,”

Fionnsaid.

FromwhatJaceunderstood,Fionnwasaformidablewarriorinhisworld,

leadingthearmiesofhisclaninvictoryoverotherFae,andpossessingalotof
power.OtherFaehadlearnednottomesswithhim.JacenotedthatFionnkept
hiseyeoneverythingintheroom,includingalltheexits,thehighwindows,and
anythingthatcouldbecomeaweapon.Hemightbeheretohelp,buthecouldn’t
stopbeingafighterbyinstinct.

Dylanopenedalockedcabinetandremovedasilverandblackchain.Jace

recoiledinside,andhefeltDenimoveclosertohim.EvenSeanshivered.This
wasatrueCollar,andDylancarriedittoFionn.

“We’relookingforthethirdelement,”Dylansaid.“Faemagic,computer

chips,andsomethingelse.”

FionntooktheCollargingerlybetweenhisfingers,heldituptohiseyelevel,

andscannedit.ThesmallcircleoftheCelticcrossglitteredintheharshlightof
barebulbs.

“Interesting.”Fionnranafingertipdownthelinks.“Silverandblacksilver,

whichisaFaemetal.Noiron.”Ifithadcontainediron,Fionncouldn’thaveheld

it—ironmadeFaesick,couldevenkillthemiftheyhadtoomuchcontactwith
it.FionnlookedtheCollaroveragain,frowning.“Sorry,Idon’tknow.My
experiencewithmetalsisconfinedtoswordsandotherbladedweapons.Not
jewelry.”

“Well,”Seansaid,lettingoutadisappointedsighasDylantooktheCollar

back,“let’sseewhatwecandotonight.”

HeunsheathedtheSwordoftheGuardianagainandlaiditonthetable.Jace

thoughtFionnwouldwalkout,backtothecircleoftreesthattookhimtoFaerie,
butFionnsettledhimselfagainstthewallnearAndreaandfoldedhisarms,ready
towatch.

“Youdidthatbefore,”JacesaidtoSean,sittingonastoolandtryingtostem

hisnervousness.“Tookouttheswordbeforewestarted.Why?”

Seanshrugged.“Ithoughtthemagicinitmighthelpfigureoutthemagicin

theCollars.Magicvibrationsorsomething.Theswordhasdonesome
interestingthings.”HeglancedatAndrea,whonodded.Thetwotogetherhad
performedamazingboutsofhealing,whenbothofthemhadbeentouchingthe
sword.

“Ready?”SeanaskedJace.
“No.Butlet’sdothis.”
DylanheldtheknifeLiamhadused,plusanelectricprobe,whileSeanstuck

withthesolderingiron.Jaceballedhisfists,settinghisteethagainstthecoming
pain.

Asoothingcoolnesscutthroughtheheatinhisbody,originatingatapointon

hiswrist.Openingeyeshehadn’trealizedhe’dclosed,JacesawDeni’shand,
tannedfromTexassun,restingonhisforearm.Shelookedathim,givinghima
littlenodandsmile,hergrayeyeswarm.AnansweringwarmthstirredinJace’s
heart,wrappingaroundhisnervesandbreakingthroughhisfearofthepain.

“Hurryup,Sean,”JacesaidwithouttakinghisgazefromDeni.“OtherthingsI

wanttodotonight.”

“Yougotit,lad.”SeanbroughtthesolderingironcloserasDylantouchedthe

electricprobetoJace’sCollar.

Avibratingbuzzwentaroundthechain,andthenJacefeltthenickofthe

knife.Theironheatedthesilver,andthesecondlinkLiamhadalreadyloosened
camefree.Dylanquicklyliftedathird,thenafourth.

Thepainwasthere,butnotasintenseaslasttime.Thatis,untilDylantriedto

loosenafifthlink.TheCollarsnappedbackahugearcthatjoltedDylan
backwardandshockedhotpainintoJace.Denijumpedaswell,caughtinthe
current,butshedidn’tletgoofJace.

Jacetriedtoclenchhisteethoverhisyell,tokeepquiet,buthisbodyhad

takenover.Darknessclampedhisbrain,andthroughithesawtheCollar,awhite
bandaroundhisneck,everynerveoutlinedwithfire.

Hisyellturnedtoascream.TheCollardidn’twanttoletgoofhim.Itclung

tightertoJace’sneck,thelinkDylanhadjustpulledofffusingagaintohisskin.

Jacefellfromthestooltothefloor,landingonhisknees,brutalpaintheonly

thinginhisworld.Everynervewascrackling,coldwashingthroughhim
followedbyheatsopowerfulheburnedfromtheinsideout.Hestartedtoshift,
buteverybitoffuremergingfromhisskinhurt,doublinghisagony.

“Jace.”Deni’svoicecutthroughthefog.Hertouchfelllikecoolwateronhis

burningskin.“Holdon.”

Jaceheardothervoices,toofaintandfarawaytobotherwith.“Shit.”“Andrea,

canyouhelphim,lass?”“Haveyoukilledhim?”cameFionn’sdisdain.“Well
done,Shifters.”

TheonlyimportantwordswerebreathedinDeni’svoice.“I’mhere,Jace.

Hangon.”

Jaceclungtohervoice,needingitswarmcadence.Hisbraincouldn’tformthe

syllablesofhername,butitdidn’tmatter.Heknewhertouch,herwarmthasshe
putherarmsaroundhim,onherkneestoo.Heknewherscent,thelow
sweetnessofhervoice,thesoftgrayofhereyes,whichwentalightergraywhen
hemadelovetoher.Jacetookalongbreath,takinginthegoodnessofher.

Thehurtingeasedtheslightestbit.Underneaththepain,thetightnessinJace’s

chestradiatedadifferentkindoftingling—itstillhurt,butwithoutthebrutal
sharpnessoftheCollar.

Jaceheldhisbreath,wonderingifthesecondpressurewaswhathethoughtit

was.Throughpaincameamazinghappinessandatthesametimedismay.Not
now.Nothere.Wrongtime.Wrongplace.

“Jace.”Thewordcutthroughhisagony.
Deni.ShewasDeni,lithe,beautiful.AndaLupine,forcryingoutloud.Their

kidswouldn’tknowwhethertobarkormeow.

“Helpme,”hecroaked.
Deni’swarmthcoveredhim,herbreastssoftagainsthisburningchest.“Hold

ontome.”

Shehadbothhishandsbetweenhers,herheadonhisshoulder.TheCollar

keptsparking,bitingintoheraswell.Shetookupthedregsofthepain,jumping
alittleasthesparksbitdeep.

AnotherfemalehandtouchedJace,thisoneinflictinganewkindofpain.His

nervesballedintooneplaceoffire,Jaceshoutingwithit,thenslowly,iteased.

Jacedrewalongbreathandopenedhiseyes.
Hefoundhimselfflatonhisbackinthemiddleofacircleoffaces—Andrea,

Sean,Dylan,Fionn,Deni.AndreahadonehandonthebladeoftheSwordofthe
Guardian,whichwashumming.Fionn’slong,thinbraidsbrushedJace’slegs,
Fionn’sconcernmixedwithcuriosityandfascination.

DeniraisedherheadandtouchedJace’sface,herlittlebraceletmakingafaint

jinglingnoise.Sheexhaledinrelief.

“Sorry,Jace,”Seansaid,hisvoicerumblingwithsympathy.“Youallright,

lad?”

Jaceopenedhismouthtosayhe’dlive,butnothingcameout.Hedroppedhis

headbackinexhaustion.

“Leavehimbe,”Denisaid,suddenlybrisk.“Sean,handmethatblanket.You

allhavetorturedhimenoughtonight.”

Sweetofhertotakecareofhim.Jacedidn’tmove—mostlybecausehe

couldn’t—andlethimselfenjoyDenidrapingathickblanketoverhimand
liftinghisheadinhercompetenthandtoslideacushionunderneathit.

Shestartedtogetherfeetagain,butJacegrabbedherhand.No.Stay.
Denicaughthisgaze,herownfilledwithpainandworry.Shegavehimanod

andsankdownbesidehim,foldingherlovelylegsunderher.

“Weneedtofindthelink,”Dylansaid.“Nousehalfkillinghimtryingtopull

anymoreofftonight.”

“Agreed,”Seansaid,soundingrelieved.
“Ifyoupullitoffallatonce,hegoesferal?”Fionnasked,soundinginterested.

Theliltingaccentinhisvoice,differentfromanyJacehadeverheard,madehim
starttogrowl.

“Aye,that’swhathappens,”Seansaid.“Haveseenitmyself.IftheShifteris

toofargone,hecan’tcomeback.Bestyoucandoiskillthepoorbugger.”

Jacegrowledagain.Deniheldhimtighterandkissedhislowerlip.“Iwon’t

letthem,”shesaid.

Jaceremainedstill.Hedidn’ttrusthimselfnottoattackeveryoneintheroom

ifhemoved,withtheexceptionofDeni.HemightevengoforAndrea,butonly
afterhesmackeddowntheFaewhostankuptheplace.

“Jaceneedstorest,”Denisaid.“Leavehimbe.”
“Iknow,”Seansaid,puttingahandonJace’sshoulder.Hequicklytookit

awayasJace’sgrowlturnedtoasnarl.“Youtakeaslongasyouneed,lad.We
won’tstartagainuntilyou’reready.”

“No,you’llfindyourselvesanothervictim,”Denisaidsharply.Shesatup,but

keptherselfbetweenJaceandtheothers.

“Notvictim,”Seansaid.“Volunteer.”
“IknowwhatIsaid.”Deniglaredatthem,Lupinedefianceinthefaceof

powerfulFelines.Whatasweetheart.“Leavehimaloneandfigureoutyour

problemwithsomeoneelse.Likeme,forinstance.I’malreadyhalfcrazy,soI
mightnotnoticethedifference.”

“No!”JacecameupoffthefloortofoldhimselfprotectivelyaroundDeni.

“No.”Hestillhadtothinkabouthowtoformwords.“Won’tletyou.Toomuch
pain.”

Denigavehimastartledlook,thenastubbornone.“Well,Iwon’tletthemput

youintoomuchpaineither.”SheswitchedherangerbacktoSeanandDylan.
“He’snotexpendable.”

BothSeanandDylantookastepaway,asthoughsensingsomethinghad

changedaboutDeni,andaboutJace.Andreaunfoldedtoherfeetandturnedto
thesinktorunsomewater.TheSwordoftheGuardianhadcutherhand.Brave
woman,sayingnothing.

“Interestinghowthefemaledefendsthemale,”Fionnsaid.“Faewomen,on

theotherhand,canturnontheirmeninaheartbeat,runningthemthroughand
joiningtheirenemiesiftheyfinditexpedient.Shifterfemales,Inote,willstick
withtheirmatesevenwhenthemateisdefeated.She’lldieforhim.”

“Isn’tthatwhatattractedyoutomymother?”Andreaaskedfromthesink.
Fionnwentsilentamoment,andwhenhespokeagain,thearrogancehad

gonefromhisvoiceandasadnoteenteredit.“Yes.Oneofthemanythings.”

“JaceandDeniaren’tmated,”Seansaid.HeslidtheSwordoftheGuardian

backintoitsscabbardandmovedtoAndreaasthoughdrawntoher.

Fionn’sarrogancereturned.“AndI’mconstantlyamazedathowdense

Shiftersareabouttheirownkind.”

“That’senough,Father,”Andreasaidfirmly.
JacepulledDenibacktohim.Hedidn’tcareanymoreabouttheCollars,about

freeingShifters,abouthelpingLiam.HewantedDeni—wantedtoburyhimself
inherandnotcomeout.Whethershefeltthesameabouthim,Jacedidn’tknow,
buthewouldfindout.Ifshedidn’tcareabouthim,ifhe’dsimplybeenawayfor
hertodefusepressure,he’dlethergo.

ThethoughtoflettingDenigomadehisferalsidewanttoburstoutagain.

Jacekissedhershoulder,drawinginherscentuntilitcalmedhimabit.

Thiswasthewrongtimeandplaceforamate-claim.Hewantedittobe

special,right,withhisfamilypresent,andhersaswell.Theywerefromtwo
differentShiftertowns,whichwouldbeaproblem,buttheycouldworkitout
somehow.

AftertheyfiguredoutthisstupidCollarsituation,Jacewouldgetofficial

permissiontovisitandmate-claimDeni.Denicouldalwaysturnhimdown,her
choice,butJacewouldtakesometimetopersuadeher.

Hewasbusythinkingoffunwaystodothepersuadingwhentheworkshop

doorslammedopentoadmitConnorMorrissey,agitatedandoutofbreath.

“They’reback,”Connorsaid.“Thecops.Liamsaystoshutdownthe

workshop,andfortheGoddess’ssake,hideJace.”

ChapterNine

AnotherthingShifterscoulddo,ifFionnwassointerested,wasgalvanize
themselvestomoveswiftlywhenneedbe.DylanandSeanslidCollarsandtools
intohidingplaceswiththesmoothnessoflongpractice,quicklyplacingthehalf-
finishedwoodworkingprojectsonthetables,scatteringabouttoolsandused
sandpaperasthoughawoodworkerhadabsentlythrownthemdown.

SeanandAndreadepartedwithoutmuchofagood-bye,headingtowherever

they’dprefertobefound.DenihelpedJaceupfromthefloor,hertouchtheonly
thingkeepinghimfromrushingoutthedoortoconfrontthecopsandkeepthem
awayfromher.

“Wherearethey,Connor?”Deniwasasking.“IneedtogetJacebacktomy

house.”

Connorshookhishead.“Notime.Toomanycopsbetweenhereandthere.”
“IcanhidetheShifter,”Fionnsaid.Hewasthecalmestofall,asthoughthe

situationwasonemoreinterestingtidbitinhisobservationofhumansand
Shifters.“Idon’twanthumanstofindmeeither.”

“Hidemehow?”Jaceasked,everynervealineoffire.“Idon’ttrustFae.”
“Verywiseofyou,”Fionnsaid.“Faearetreacherousbastards,everysingle

oneofus.Ishouldknow.Comewithmenow,orendupinacagetobepokedat
byhumans.Yourchoice.”

“Go.”Denikissedhischeek.“Dylanwilltakecareofme.”
Dylan,thepowerfulalphaFelinewholikedtohugDeni.Jacewouldrather

caveinDylan’sfaceandpullDeniwithhimtowherevertheFaewastakinghim.
ButputtingDeniundertheFae’spowerwasn’twhathewantedeither.Jace
huggedhisarmsoverhischest,hisinstinctstearingthroughhim,warringwith
hiscommonsense.Itwashellgoingferal.

“Now,”Fionnsaid.Hedidn’ttouchJace,asthoughheknewJacewould

attackhimifhedid,buthisvoicegalvanized.Jacecouldwellbelievethisman
wasageneral.

JacecaughtDeniaroundthewaist.Hergrayeyeswerelarge,filledwithfear,

butbehindthefear,Jacesawhermatingfrenzyansweringhis.Hekissedher,

savoringthetasteofherwarmlips,thenhecuppedhercheek,pulledonhis
jacketagain,andfollowedFionnintothenight.

***

“Andyouare?”thefemalepoliceofficeraskedDeni.Thewomanworea
bulletproofvestandariothelmetandcarriedtwopistols,whilehermale
counterparthadapistolandatranqrifle.They’dcomepreparedtodobattle
againstShiftersifneedbe.TheyfoundmostShifterspeacefullycookingout,as
SeanwasdoingbehindLiam’shouse.

“DeniRowe.”DenihandedthefemalecopherIDcard,whicheachShifter

hadtoupdateeveryyear.“Sameaslasttime,”shecouldn’thelpadding.Both
theseofficershadbeeninthegroupthathadcometoDeni’sandEllison’shouse.

“Hmm.”ThefemaleofficerpeeredatDeni’sID,shiningablacklightonit,

pretendingshewasn’tnervous.DylanstoodbehindDeni,notwantinghertoface
thecopsalone.Dylansaidnothinganddidn’ttrytointerfere,butDylancould
unnervemosthumans—nottomentionmostShifters—simplybystandingthere.
Boththemaleandfemaleofficerweresweatingunderhisscrutiny.

“Seemsokay.”ThefemaleofficerhandedthecardbacktoDeni.“Nice

bracelet,”shesaid,glancingatthegoldchainonDeni’swrist.

“Itwasmymother’s,”Denisaid.ShetuckedtheIDintothebackpocketof

hershorts.

“Looksexpensive.”Shiftersweren’tallowedtowearcostlyjewelry,and

shouldn’tbeabletoaffordtobuyit.

“Handeddownthroughthefamily,”Denianswered.“Ihavephotosofmy

motherandmygrandmotherwearingit,ifyouwanttoseethem.”

“Hmm.”Anotherskepticalsound.“Where’stheotherguy?TheoneIsawyou

withbefore?”

Deniprayedthesetwoweren’tgoodatreadingbodylanguageasshe

answerednonchalantly,“Ellison?He’smybrother.He’satthebarwithhis
mate.”

“Imeantheotherone.Thedrunkoneyouwerewithatthe...ceremony.”
Damnit.“Idon’tknow,”Denisaid.ShetookastepbacktoDylan,putting

herselfintotheradiusofhiswarmth.“I’mwithDylantonight.”

Denismiledatthefemalecop,asthoughwillinghertounderstand.Ifhumans

likedtobelieveShifterwomenwerepromiscuous,Deniwoulduseittoher
advantage.Thefemaleofficer’slookturnedtodisgust,butDenididn’tcarewhat

thiswomanthoughtofheraslongasJacewassafe.

BothcopslookedDylanandDenioverandexchangedknowingsmirks.

They’dseenDylanwithGloryatthefightclub.TheymustthinkShiftertown
wasonebigsexfest.

DylanputhisarmaroundDenianddaredthemtosayanything.Thecopsall

butsnickeredastheymovedofftowardanothersetofShifterswalkingonthe
darkstreet.

“Sorry,”DenisaidinalowvoicetoDylan.
Dylansqueezedhershoulder.“You’regoodatthinkingonyourfeet.Nothing

tobesorryabout.”Anothersqueezeofreassurance,thenhelethergo.“Butlet’s
don’tmentionthistoGlory.”

Denismiled.“Nofear.”
“Shewouldunderstandeventually,butit’sthe‘eventually’thatwouldbe

uncomfortable.”Dylansentheroneofhisraresmiles.“Let’sgohavesome
barbeque.”

Theyhadto,tokeepuptheverisimilitude.DenionlyhopedJacewassafe,and

thatthehalf-crazedwolfinsideherwouldn’tmakeherbreakawayfromDylan
andracearoundShiftertownuntilshecouldfindandprotecthimagain.

***

“SothisisFaerie?”Jacewrinkledhisnoseatthesmell.“Idon’tlikeit.”

“Asmydaughterwouldsay...Suckitup.”
ShiftershadleftFaerieforeversevenhundredyearsago,notthatthey’dever

embraceditashome.Thoughthey’dbeencreatedhere,Shiftershadcultivateda
healthyloathingoftheplace.

JacehadfollowedFionntoagroveoftreesbetweenthebackyardsofShifter

houses.Intheglowofthefewstreetlights,he’dseenpoliceofficerswalking
fromhousetohouse,andpatrolcarsandvanscreepingalongthestreets.

Thedarknessinthegroveoftreeshadbeendeep,inky.Amistrosefrom

nowhereinthemiddleoftheringoftrees,onethatsmelledacridtoJace.A
tinglinghadbeguninJace’sbrainthathadhimsnarling,hisclawscomingout,
beforeFionnhadgrabbedhimandshovedhimintothemiddleofthemist.

Jacehadblinked,thetinglingdying,andfoundhimselfinanotherringof

trees,theseold,towering,anddamp.Hisbootssquishedinmudcoveredwith
graygreenweedsanddeadleaves.ThethicktreesranasfarasJacecouldsee,
thelandwet,dank,andmuddy.

“Boring,”Jacesaid.“Nowondermyancestorschosetoliveinthehuman

world.”

Fionnmadeanimpatientnoise.“Thisisonlyonetinycornerofonewoodsin

Faerie.Ilivemilesfromhereinavalleythatwouldputanythingfoundinyour
worldtoshame.Mountainsreachingtotheskies,snowcapsburnishedbythe
sun,meadowsofgrasssogreenitmakesyouweep,andpackedwithwildflowers
ineverycolor.Mygardenisdesignedtorunrightintothemeadows,soit’sas
thoughIstepintoparadiseeverytimeIwalkoutmydoor.Mymanorhousehas
marblefloors,andwallsveinedwithFaegold,whichhumanshaveneverseen—
andneverwill.FaegoldisrareevenfortheFae.Humanswouldkilleachother
—andFae—overit.”

“Wallsveinedwithgold,”Jacesaid.“Nooverkillthere.”
Fionnstartedwalkingintothetrees,ignoringhim.“WhenIcometothisarea,

however,Iliveroughinatent.Thisway.”

“Waitaminute.”Jacejoggedtocatchupwithhim.TheFae-manwasfast.

“Howdoyouknowwherethegateway,orwhateverthatwas,is?Allthesetrees
lookalike—andsmellalike—tome.”

Fionndidn’tlookback.“Thenyou’dbetterstickwithme,hadn’tyou?”
Great.“HowdoIknowyou’renotleadingmetoFaewarriorswithbigswords

who’dloveaShiftersnowleopardheaddecoratingtheirfireplace?”

“Youdon’t,”Fionnsaid.“Youhavetotrustme.”
“Thanks.Ifeelsomuchbetter.”
ItwasthenthatJacenoticedhedidfeelbetter.Theferalrestlessnesshadeased

fromhim,thepainofhisCollarlessening.Whenheputhishandtohisneck,he
stillfeltthesoreness—didheever—butthecertaintyhe’ddropdeadanysecond
hadgone.

Fionnledhimaroundthreegigantictreesgrowingclosetogetherandstopped

infrontofapavilion.Tent,Fionnhadcalledit.Ballroom-sizedlivingspace,Jace
wouldtermitinstead.

HefollowedFionninside,thoughhisShifterinstinctsdidnotwanthimto.

Theinteriorofthepavilionwasaslavishastheexterior.Ithadbeendividedinto
roomsbytapestrieshungfromsolidrods,andcarpetedwithrugsthatlookedas
thoughtheyweremadeofwovensilk.Lowcouches,chairs,andtableswere
scatteredeverywhere,andalargebrazierburnedwithafirethatcutthedamp.

“Youcallthislivingrough?”Jaceasked,turninginacircle.Everywherehe

sawlight,color,andshimmeringtexture.

“You’vebeenlivinginhumanrejectstoolong.Thisiswhatyoucouldhavein

Faerie,andmuchbetterthanthis.”

“NotasaShifterslaveIcouldn’t,”Jacepointedout.

“Possiblynot.ThoughIdon’tkeepslaves.AnyShifterswholivedinmy

realmwouldbefreetocomeandgoastheypleased.”

Afair-mindedFae?“Goodtoknow,”Jacesaid.
“Ican’tspeakforotherFae,though,”Fionnsaid.“Soifyouwentoutsidemy

territory,yes,you’dprobablyendupaslaveoramantelpiecedecoration.”

“You’resocomforting.”
“Wine?”Fionnpouredagolden,smoothlytricklingliquidintoacup.“BestI

cangetouthere.Thegoodstuffdoesn’ttransportwell.”

NeverdrinkanythingofferedbyaFae.TheoldtalesaboutFae,passeddown

byShifters,ranginJace’shead.Hisdadusedtotellhimthestories,ashadAunt
Cass.Jacesaidnothing,butcouldn’tstophimselffromtakingastepback.

Fionnlaughed.“You’resuperstitious.Butprobablywise.IknowFaewhotry

todrug,poison,orspelleveryonetheymeet.You’reluckyI’mnotinterested.IfI
wantsomeoneundermythrall,I’lltakeovertheirterritoryandletthemchoose
betweenfollowingmeorbeingputtothesword.”

“Whataniceguy,”Jacesaiddryly.Fionnheldoutthecup,butJaceshookhis

head.EvenifFionnprovedtobetrustworthy,Jacecouldn’tbecertainwhatFae
winewoulddotohissystem,especiallyastraumatizedasithadbeenlately.
Fionnshrugged,liftedthewinecuptohislips,anddraineditscontents.

Jacelookedaroundthelushlivingquarters,againreflectingthathefeltmuch

better.Hewasafraidtopursuewhy.IflivinginFaeriewastheonlywaytostop
ShifterswhohadtheirCollarsremovedfromgoingferal,he’drathertakehis
chancesbeingferal.

“Sotellme,”Jacesaid,asFionnpouredhimselfmorewine.“Ifthisismoreor

lessthearmpitofFaerie,whydoyoucomeouthere?”

Fionnloweredhiscup.Whenhespoke,hisvoicewassofter.“Tobenearmy

daughter.”

“Oh.”
Fionnraisedhisbrowsanddrankdeeplyagain.“Yes,Iamthatmaudlin.ButI

hadtogiveupAndreaformorethanfortyyears.Iwanttospendasmuchtime
withherasIpossiblycan.Andmygrandson.”

“Igetthat.”
Thehard-facedwarriorsuddenlylookedmucholderandmorevulnerable.

“That’swhyIconqueredthispartofFaerie.SoIcouldseeherwithoutanyone
beingthewiser.I’malonenow,butAndreamakeslifeworthliving.”

“Youoldsoftie,”Jacesaid,grinning.
“Iam.Iadmititwithoutshame.Makeyourselfcomfortable,Shifter.This

mighttakesometime.Dylanwillsendwordwhenthewayissafe.”

***

Denididn’twanttoeat,butshemanagedtochokedownaburgerSeanprepared
forher,madewithsautéedmushroomsandHavarticheese,whichDeniloved.
Mouthwateringgoodness,buttonight,Denihadnoappetite.

ThepolicestillroamedShiftertown.They’dinterrogatedtheShiftersin

Liam’syard—includingDeni,again—andnowtheywanderedtheblocks.

Deninoticedthatthey’dleftthecubswho’dgatheredatLiam’salone.Alarge

numberofcubshadfoundtheirwayhere,sentbytheirparentsforsafety,and
nowtheysatontheporchanditssteps,devouringSean’sburgers.Spike’scub,
Jordan;Olafthepolarbear;theolderbeargirlnamedCherie;LiamandKim’s
littlegirl,sittingonKim’slap;andothersfromaroundthetown.Andreacarried
hersonandhelpedKimlookafterthekids,butmostlythecubshadbeensent
herebecauseofTiger.

Thepolicehadn’ttalkedtoTigermuch,leavinghimandTiger’smate,Carly,

prettymuchalone.Theyhadn’tgonenearthecubsatall,becauseTigerhad
positionedhimselfbetweenthepoliceofficersandthecubsontheporch.The
officers,aftertakingonelookatTiger,hadseemedtotacitlyagreetostopeven
lookingatthekids.

Thecopsmighthavethebadges,armor,guns,andauthority,Denireflected,

butinthiscornerofShiftertown,Tigerhadthepower.Thepoliceseemedto
knowit,justassmallanimalsknewtheywerepreyforthecatthatstrolledby,
evenifthecatwasn’tattacking.They’dfeelbetteroncethecatwasgone,and
theycouldduckinsidetheirholesagainforsafety.

Evenafterthepolicefinallylefttheyard,Tigerremainedonguard.Thehuge

manwithblackandorangehairunnervedeventheShifters.Theonlyadulttruly
comfortablewithhimwasCarly,aTexasgirlwithhoneybrownhairwho
wrappedherhandsaroundTiger’sbigarmandsmiledupathim.Shewasjust
beginningtoshowherpregnancy,andthelookTigergaveherwarmedDeni’s
heart.Thosetwohadfoundlove.KnowingwhatTigerandCarlyhadgone
through,Denifeltalickofhopethatshetoocouldfindhappiness—evenwith
theFelineShifterwhowasrightnowhidingoutinFaerie,andwhocouldn’t
legallybeinherShiftertown.

“He’llhavetogo,”DylansaidtoSeannottwofeetawayfromDeni.
Deniturnedtothem,notbotheringtopretendnottolisten.Iftheyhadn’t

wantedhertohear,Dylanwouldn’thavesaidanythingwhileshewasstanding
soclose.

Sean,turningburgerswithtongs,nodded.“We’llhavetotryagainlater.”

TheyweregoingtosendJacehome,whilehewashalf-crazedwiththe

partiallyremovedCollar,andwaitforwhoknewhowlong.Sheopenedher
mouthtoargue,butDylanshookhishead.

“YouknowI’mright,Den,”Dylansaid.“Wecan’triskthatthecopswon’t

starttakingrollcallinallShiftertowns.I’llgethimhomeassoonasI’mable.”

Deninodded.True,JacewouldbesaferathisownShiftertown,wherehehad

hisfatherandfamilytotakecareofhim.ButDeni’sheartfeltlikeastoneinher
chest,andherfoodtastedlikedust.

Shesettheplatedown,noddedatSeanandDylan,andwalkedinadaze

towardtheporchandthecubs.DeniwishedEllisonandhersonswerehere—she
neededtowrapherselfinherfamilytoeasethesuddenpain.

Andreaseemedtosenseherneed.ShehandedherlittleboytoKimandmet

Deniintheyard,pullingherintoahug.

“Iknow,”Andreasaid.“Isawitinyoureyeswhenyoulookedathimtonight.

Don’tworry.I’lltellLiam,andwe’llmakeitsoyoucanseehimagain.”

Andreawassweet;shetrulywas.Andreaherselfhadbeengivenspecial

permissiontomovefromaColoradoShiftertowntothisone,whichprovedit
couldbedone,butshe’dhadtojumpthroughmanyhoopstodoit.Deniknew
shecouldseeJaceagain,butitwouldbetough,andbothLiamandJace’sfather
wouldhavetobeconvincedthatitwasnecessaryforeitherJaceorDenitomove
permanently.

AndreareleasedDeni,givingherareassuringsmile,andreturnedtotheporch

tolifthercubfromKim’slap.Thelookofjoysheturnedonhersonsqueezed
Deni’sheart.

“Don’tlethimgo.”
Denijumpedandswungaround,herwolf’ssensessendingherintoa

defensivecrouch.Tigerhadmovedtohersideinthatstealthywayhehad,and
nowhestoodrightnexttoher,alone,hisbulkfillingthespaceAndreahad
vacated.

“Tiger.”Denistraightenedupandclenchedherhands.“Don’tdothat.”
“YoushouldnotletJacegohome,”Tigersaid.“Keephimwithyou.”
“Ican’t,”Denisaid.“Hedoesn’tbelonghere,andiftheycatchhim...”
Tigershookhishead.Hereachedouthishand,carefully,andtouchedtheair

infrontofDeni’schest,asthoughhesawsomethingthere.Denifeltthewarmth
insideher,thetinglingneedshe’dbeenpretendingnottonotice.“Youhaveit,
don’tyou?”Tigersaid.“Don’tletitgo.”

Deniswallowed.Ifsheadmittedthematebondrightnow,she’dfallina

crumpledheapandbeginweeping.“I—”

“Tiger,honey,”Carlystrolledtohimandlacedherhandsaroundhisarm

again.“Don’tscareher.She’sbeenthroughalot.”

TigeronlylookedatDeniwithhisintenseyelloweyes,asthoughwillingher

tounderstandandobey.HeletCarlyleadhimaway,butheglancedatDeniover
hisshoulder,hisgazepenetratingDenitothemostfrightenedpartofher.

ChapterTen

WhenJaceemergedfromFaerieintothegroveoftreesinShiftertown,itwas
dawn.Shiftertownwasquiet,thenocturnalShiftershavingturnedintosleep,the
oneswholivedbyhumanschedulesnotupyet.

Dylanmethim.Dylan’sfacewascoveredwithnew-growthbeard,andlines

haddeepenedabouthiseyes.Hehadn’tsleptallnight.

TimemoveddifferentlyinFaerie,FionnhadtoldJace,sometimesslower,

sometimesfaster.Jacehadspenttwiceasmanyhoursthereasthetimehad
movedhere.Scary.WhatifhepoppedintoFaerieoneday,livedaweek,and
cameouttofindeveryonelongdead?OrheagedinFaeriewhileDenihadlived
onlyoneday?Tooweirdtocontemplate.ThesolutionwasnottogotoFaerie
again,whichwasfinewithJace.

Hestillfeltbetter,evenwiththeCollar’slooselinkschafinghim.He’dhave

tofigureoutwhyheseemedtohaverecoveredfromhisneedtogoferal,andif
whateverhediscoveredcouldhelpwithremovingtheCollars.

ThepolicehadgivenupharassingtheShiftersandgoneagain,Dylansaid,but

therewasnotellingwhenthey’dbeback.BestJacegohome,tohisown
Shiftertown.Jacecouldn’targuewithhisreasoning,thoughleavingmeant
leavingDeni,andthatthoughtthreatenedtomakehisferalragereturn.

Fionnhadn’taccompaniedJace.DylantoldJacetowaitforhimthere,while

hearrangedtransportationtotheairstrip.Hewalkedaway,leavingJacealone.

Notforlong.AssoonasDylanleftthegrove,Denihurriedintoit.
Jacesaidnothing,onlyopenedhisarms,andDeniranstraightintothem.Jace

caughtherup,turningaroundwithher,holdingherhard,breathinginher
warmth,herscent.

“Idon’twantyoutogo,”Denisaid.ShecurledherhandsagainstJace’schest,

wherehisheartwaspounding.

“Idon’twanttogoeither.”
Theirmouthsmet,lockingtogether,heatjoiningheat.Jacedrankherhungrily,

imbibingherspice.Helickedthecornerofhermouth,andmovedonehandto
herlushbreast.

“Den,”hesaidsavagely,“Ihaven’t...Findingyou...”
Isalltheworldtome,Denifinishedinsideherhead.Iwasdrowning,farfrom

shore.Andthenyoucame.

“Tigertoldmenottoletyougo,”shewhispered.
Jaceliftedhishead,hisgreeneyesdark.“Ihaveto.Iftheyfindme,itwillbe

badforeveryonehere,notonlyme.”

“Iknow.Iknow.”
“Ican’tletyougethurtbecauseofme.”Jacetracedhercheekwithafirm

thumb.“ButI’llfixthis.I’llfindawaytocomebackassoonasIcan.”

Deninodded,tearsfillinghereyes.Noreasontocry,shetoldherself.This

wassmart,andhe’djustpromisedtocomebackforher.

SheheardTiger’sgruffvoiceinherhead.Don’tlethimgo.
EveryoneknewTigerwasalittlenuts,buthe’dlookedatDeniasthoughhe

couldseethethreadsofthematebondaroundherheart.Hewastellingherto
latchontothebondandnotletgo,damntheconsequences.ButDenineededto
besensible.Iftheydideverythingbythebook,askingforofficialpermissionfor
Jacetomovehere,orsheandhersonstogowithhim,thenthehumanscouldn’t
legallykeepthemapart.Butpermissionwasdifficulttoobtain—thehuman
governmentmightdenyitforanynumberofreasons,andthenitwouldbemore
difficultforJaceorDenitosneakawaytobetogether.

“Youcouldalwayshidehereuntiltheygettiredoflooking,”Denisaid,

thoughwithoutmuchhope.

Jaceshookhishead,pressinghercloser.“Dylan’sright.Thepolicemightstart

checkingtheotherShiftertowns.Mydadcan’tcoverformeforlong.”

“Iknow.”Hiswordsmadesense,butDeni’sheartached.Shetriedtosmile.

“Thenexttimeyoucome,we’lltakemymotorcycleoutononeofthebackroads
andseewhatitcando.We’llopenitup—justusandthewind.”

“Yeah.”Jacecuppedhercheek.“Thatsoundsgood.”
Theykissedagain,mouthsseeking,needy,eachofthemholdingontight.

DenimemorizedJace’sscentandhisgoodness,histaste,hishardbodyagainst
hers.Hewaslarge,strong,whole,theanswertoheremptiness.

Frombeyondthem,Dylanclearedhisthroat,thesoundrollingfromtheedge

ofthegrove.Jacebrokethekiss,liftingslowlyawayfromDeni.Hisgreeneyes
heldanguish.“Ihavetogo.”

“Wait.”Denifumbledwiththecatchofherbracelet,anold-fashionedclasp.

Thebracelethadbeeninherfamilyforsolong,noonerememberedwhereithad
comefrom.ShetookoffthebraceletandpresseditintoJace’shand.“Keepthis
forme.Bringitbacktome.”

Jacestartedtoshakehishead.“It’sspecialtoyou,Icantell.”

“Itis.ButifIknowyouhaveit,thatwillbespecialtoo.”
Jacehesitatedanothermoment,thenheclosedhisfingersaroundit.“I’llkeep

itsafe.Ipromise.”

Deninodded.Shesteppedbackfromhimandclaspedherhands.“The

Goddessgowithyou.”

“No.”Jacereachedforheroncemore,hisarmscominghardaroundher.

“That’swhatyousaytosomeoneyou’llneverseeagain.”

Hiskisswasfierce,wild.DeniheldontoJaceandkissedhimbackwithas

muchforce,herheartpoundingandaching.

AtlastJaceeasedaway,andDenimadeherselflethimgo.Jacelaidhishand

onherchest,betweenherbreasts.

“Bewell,myheart,”hesaid,thenheturnedandwalkedaway,following

DylanintotheTexasdawn.

***

TherewasnoquestionofDenicomingwithJacetotheplane.Jaceunderstood—
thefewerShifterswholeftShiftertownthebetter.

JacehunkereddownwithabunchofjunkinthebedofDylan’ssmallpickup,

andDylantiedatarpoveritall.ThenDylandroveoutofShiftertownwithout
ceremony,headingeastalongtheBastropHighway.

Afteralongtime,Dylantookaturnoffthemainroad,pulledover,andlifted

thetarp.Theroadwasdeserted,andJaceclimbedout,stretchinghiscramped
limbs.DylanwouldleaveJaceheretowaitforahumanmantocomebywho
wouldtakehimtherestofthewaytotheairstrip—they’ddonethisonJace’s
previoustripsaswell.SaferforallconcernedifaShifterwasn’tspotteddriving
outtoanabandonedairfield.

“Bewell,”Dylansaid,claspingJaceinabriefbuttighthug.“I’llworkon

thingsfromhere.”

Jacenoddedhisthanks,joggedintothetallgrasses,andcroucheddown,

hidinghimself,towait.Dylangotbackintohistruckanddrovesmoothlyaway
beforeanyothervehiclescamedowntheroad.

Jacedidn’twaitlong,thoughitfeltlikeforeverashelayinthedew-laden

grass.Anotherpickup,whichwasdrivenbyoneofthemenhe’dseenthistripat
thelandingstrip,sloweddownandwaitedforJacetoclimbinsidethecab.

Fifteenminutesandanunpavedroadlater,Jacewasbackattheairstrip,

boardingthesmall,oldcargoplaneamannamedMarloflew.Marlohadlong

agoworkedforverybadmen,transportingthingsforthemfromMexico,buthad
givenitup.NowhesmuggledShiftersanywhereinthecountrytheywantedto
go.

“Let’sgetupintheair,”Marlosaid,usheringJaceupthelittlestairintothe

bodyoftheplane.“Thewindisgettingbad.Wanttogetoutofthissystem.”

ToJace,theskywasclearandbeautiful,onlyalittlebreezestirringthe

grassesaroundthem.Butpilotsspokeadifferentlanguage.Jacestowedhis
backpack,thentookthecopilot’sseatinthecockpit.Hedidn’tknowhowtofly,
butMarlotendedtotalkalotonthetrips,andJacealwaysfeltbetterifMarlo
facedforward,lookingathisinstruments,thanifheconstantlyturnedaroundto
yellatJaceintheback.

Marlodidhischecks,startedup,checkedsomemoreinstruments,wavedat

thegroundcrew,andtaxiedouttothegrown-overairstrip.Thetwomenatthe
tinyshedwavedback,thenreturnedtothepickupthathadbroughtJaceand
droveaway.

Marlospedtheplanedownthelittlerunway,bouncingoverruts,thenlifted

offwithoutmuchofabump.Theplanefloppedaroundalittleastheyclimbed,
buffetedbythewindsMarlohadmentioned,butsoontheywererunningina
fairlysmoothlayerofair.ThecityofAustinspreadouttothenorthofthem,
huggingtheriveranditshills,therivercountryrecedingtoastreakofvivid
greenintheotherwisedryTexasbrown.

Jaceopenedhishandandstudiedthebraceletrestinginhispalm.Delicate,yet

strong,likeDeniwas.Herubbedhisthumboverthesmoothgold,determinedto
seehersmileathimwhenhebroughtitbacktoher.

Hegrowled.Jacealreadymissedherlikecrazy,andthewildcatinhimsnarled

athimforwalkingaway.Thetornskinonhisneckhurtagain,thesoreness
makinghisbeastthatmuchangrier.WhatevermitigatingeffectsbeinginFaerie
hadgivenhimmustbewearingoff.

Interestingaboutthat.Jaceletthebracelettrickleoverhishandashethought.

MaybetheyshouldtrytakingofftheCollarsinsideFaerie.Thenagain,whatif
insideFaerieShiftersbehavednormallyandthenwentinsanewhentheywalked
outoncemore?

Jaceletoutasigh.He’dbeenfullofenthusiasmaboutremovingtheCollars

whenhe’dcometoAustin,butthingshadchanged.Henolongerwantedtorisk
himselfforwhatmightbe.Hehadsomethingtolosenow.IftheMorrisseys
wantedtoexperimentwiththeCollarssomuch,theycould,asFionnmightsay,
suckitup,andtestitonthemselves.

Hisgazereturnedtothebracelet,andheimagineditstillwarmfromDeni’s

wrist...

Theplanebouncedonce,hard,asthoughithadhitsomekindofairborne

speedbump.Marloshouted,“Whoa!”andgrabbedforthestickasdialsstarted
spinning.

“Whoa,what?”Jaceyelledovertheenginesthathadstartedtoroar.“Youcan

fixthat,right?”

“Shit,”Marlosaid.Headdedquickly,“Nothingtoworryabout—thishas

happenedbefore.Ineedtosetdown.Helpmelookforaplace.”

“Nothingtoworryabout?”Theplanewasheadingdownward,leavingJace’s

stomachbehind,everythinginbackbangingandclattering.Anotherbumpshook
theplane,whichnosedharderdownward.Thesmallairplanegaveaprofound
rattleandsmokepouredouttheleft-sideengine,flameslickingthewing.“The
engine’sonfire!”Jaceshouted.“Youcallthatnothingtoworryabout?”

“Thewindwillputitout.Helpmelook!”
“Aw,craponacrutch,”Jacesnarled.
Hewrappedhishandaroundthebraceletandheldithard,asthoughitwerea

linktoDeniherself.Goddess,Goddess,greatandgood,Jacebegantheritual
prayer,thengaveuptryingtorememberthewords.Helpme.Letmebewith
Deniagain.Ifeelthematebond,forcryingoutloud.

Thewarmthinhishearthe’dtoldhimselfhedidn’tyethavetimetothink

about,nowsuffusedhisbody.Sayinggood-byetoDenihadbeenoneofthe
hardestthingsJacehadeverdone.Jacehadbeenrippingouthisheartand
walkingawaybleeding,buthe’dmadehimselfdoit,believingleavingwasthe
rightthingtodo.

Thematebondmeantyougaveyourselftothatotherperson,bodyandsoul.

Youprotectedthem;theyhealedyou,andyouhealedthemwhiletheyprotected
you.Jacedidn’tknowifDenifeltthematebondforhim—sometimesboth
partiesdidn’tshareit—butherememberedthelookinhergrayeyesbeforehe’d
lefther.

Shehadtofeelit.They’dgrownfromacquaintancestoloverstomates

rapidly,butitoftenhappenedlikethatwithShifters.Shiftersformedthemate
bond,thentheygottoknoweachother—throughouttheirlong,happylives.

Andnow,withMarlofightingthistinybird,firewhippingaroundthewing,

andtheflatgroundofWestTexascomingupfast,Jacemightnevermove
beyondknowingthematebondhadsettledinhisheart.

Tigertoldmenottoletyougo.
Tiger,damnhiscrazy,stripedass,hadbeenright.Hemightnothavepredicted

this,specifically,buthe’dknownJaceshouldhavemadesurehestayednextto
Deniandfiguredthingsoutfromthere.

Somethingcuthispalm.Jaceopenedhishandandsawhe’dclutchedthegold

braceletsohardithadpressedintohisskin.

JaceclenchedthebraceletagainandshookhisfistatMarlo,theendsofthe

chainsdancing.“Fixthisdamnedthing.I’mtakingthisbacktoher.”

“Youarefuckingcrazy,Shifter.Ineedalandingstrip,orI’mnotfixing

anythingeveragain.”

“Shit,”Jacesaid.He’dbeenscanningtheground,butwhatdidheknowabout

goodplacestoputdownaplane?Thenhesawit,aflatstretchofland,unbroken,
adirtroadwithoutanoilwellattheendofit.Theywerelowenoughnowthat
hecouldseethewaywasn’tfullofrocksorhiddenwashes.“Whataboutthat?”

“Goodenoughforme.”
Theplanewasrattlingwithbone-jarringintensity,somethingpoppinginthe

backlikearowoffireworks.Jaceprayeditwasn’treallyfireworks.

Theroadcameatthem,Marlodesperatelypullingatthesticktoliftthenose

enough.Thewheelsweredown,atleast,becauseMarlohadneverpulledthem
up.

“Hangon!”Marloyelled.
Towhat?Jacebracedhimselfontheinstrumentpanel,tryingnottolookatthe

dialsgoingaroundandaround.

Theyhittheroadwithanupwardburstofdust,grindingitsothickitcoated

thewindows,blockingtheirvisibility.Thatwasfine,becausegrassandwhatever
hugeweedsthispartofthestategrewcameupoutofthegroundandbashedinto
them,windingaroundtheburningengineandspewingtheflamehigher.

Theplanehitsomethingandskiddedsideways,throwingMarloontopof

Jace,andwhippingJaceintothewindow.Thewindowcracked,andflameraced
inside.

Atthelastminute,Jaceyankedoffhisseatbelt,hauledhimselfoutofthe

chair,threwthealreadyunconsciousMarlotothebottomoftheplane,and
landedontopofhim.AroarofexplosionmetJace’sears,andthennothing.

ChapterEleven

Deniwasrestlessallmorning.Shetriedtoworkintheyard,neateningher
garden,butshefoundherselfstabbingthetrowelintothedirtagainandagainfor
noreason.Denithrewdownthetrowelandstrippedoffhergloves,dropping
themaswell.

Herarmfeltbareandstrangewithoutthebraceletsheworeallthetime.She

touchedherskintherebutsmiled.ThebraceletwassafewithJace.He’dcome
backtoher.

Still,shewasgrowlingbythetimeshereachedthehouse.Jacksonhadn’tbeen

scheduledtoworktoday,butWillnowgaveDeniagood-byehugandwentoff
tothewarehouse.

“Youallright,Mom?”Jacksonsaid,peeringatDeniaftertheywavedoffWill.
Jacksonlookedsomuchlikehisfather,hishairdarkinsteadoflightlikehers

andEllison’s,hiseyesalightershadeofgray.Denipulledhimintoahug,
feelingafloodofloveforhim.Butsherememberedwhenhermatehadbeen
dying,howthematebondhadpulledatherandsickenedher...asitwasdoing
now.

AreactiontoJaceleavingsoabruptly,shetoldherself.Nothingiswrong...
“I’mfine,”shesaid.
“It’sjustthatyoulookatlittlebit,youknow...”Jacksonfrownedinworry.

“Likeyoudowhenyoustarttogoferal...”

Hetrailedoff,andnauseabitDeni,theworldspinning.ShegrippedJackson’s

shoulder.“No,don’tletme...”Forgetwhoeveryoneis,trytoattackmyown
children.Goddess,please!

Shesmelledastrong,malesmell,onedifferentenoughfromotherShiftersto

makeherwolf’shacklesrise.Denigrowledandspunaround,instinctively
steppinginfrontofJackson,protecting.

Tigerstoodattheedgeoftheyard,havingsuddenlyappearedasheusually

did.Denitookadeepbreath,willingherselftocalm.

“Youlethimgo,”Tigersaid.
Denishookherhead,thenauseastillchurning.“Ididn’thaveachoice.”

Hewaiteduntilshecametohim,notviolatingEllison’sterritory.Denifelt

herselfdrawntohim,though,asthoughsheneededtogotohim.Unnerving.

Tigerlethishandhoverafewinchesfromherchest,ashe’ddonelastnight.

“Somethingiswrong.”

Fearwashedcoldthroughher.“Howdoyouknow?”
“Thematebond.”Tigerclosedhisfingersoveremptyair.“It’stellingyou.”
ThelogicalDeniwantedtoargue,todeny.TheferalbeastinsideDeniknew.

Jacewasindanger.

Tigerpinnedherwithhisyellowstare,thenturnedaroundandwalkedaway.

Deni’sheartbeatfaster,andshealmostsnarledwhenshefeltJackson’swarmth
suddenlybehindher.

Sheblinked,Jackson’sworriedfacecomingbackintofocus.“I’mallright,”

shesaidtohim,drawingadeepbreath.“Ineedtomakeaphonecall.”She
hurriedintothehouse,foundhercellphone,andrushedacrossthestreetafter
TigertoaskforthephonenumberofEricWardenandhisson,Jace.

***

Thesnowleopardchokedontheblacksmoke,pawsscrabblingattheholeinthe
fuselagetofindair,anyair.Heburnedhimselfonthehotmetalandsnarled,but
heneededtogethisnoseoutoftheplaneandbreathe.

Morescrambling,usingShifterwildcatstrengthandhugeclawstotearinto

themetal.HiscatbrainreflectedthathavingsomeonelikeRonantheKodiak
beararoundwouldbeveryusefulrightnow,thenhewentbacktothetaskat
hand.Humanthoughtfled,andanimalonestookover.

Holewider.Heavefrombacklegs,wrigglespine,pullwithshoulders,

scrambleout.Jacelandedontopofthewreckage—onthesideoftheplanethat
hadtippedover—andtriedtotakeadeepbreath.Toomuchsmoke.Hehadtoget
away.

Theenginewasburningmerrily,andJace’scatnosesmelledfuel.Heneeded

torun,now.

Agroanmadehimturnback,hisclawsrakingagainstmetal.Ahumanlayin

thewreckage,aleanmanwithascragglybeardwhowasalittlebitsmelly.
Marlo,hisbrainremindedhim.

JacewasShifter.Hedidn’tneedahumanslowinghimdownandreturning

himtocaptivity.Nowwashischancetorun,tobefree,tofindaplacewhere
humanswouldneverhunthimdown.He’dgetwordtohismatesomehow,she’d

cometohim,andthey’dliveinblissfulsolitudeforever.

Anothergroan.Jace’searswentflatonhishead,hiscatinstinctstellinghimto

runandnotstop.Butheturnedandloweredhisbodybackintothewreck.

HefoundMarlotrappedunderapileofmetalandjunk,barelyalive.Jace

shovedatthedebris,tryingtoreachhim.SomethinginJace’sbraintoldhimto
shiftbacktohumansohecouldliftMarlo,buthisbodywouldn’tobey.Being
animalwasthebestwaytosurvive,soanimalhestayed.

Fireflaredhigh,andthetemperatureinthewreckdoubled.Thesmoke

thickened.Jacecouldn’tbreathe,couldn’tcough,couldnolongersee.Heputhis
moutharoundthebackofMarlo’sneckandheaved.

Thetroublewithhumanswastheyhadnoscruff.IfJacebitdowntoohard,

he’dsevertheman’sspineandkillhim.Notenough,andhewouldn’tbeableto
carryhim.

JacefinallygotadecentholdonMarlo’sneckandshirt,anddraggedhimout

fromunderthedebris.Withthelastbreathinhislungs,Jaceclawedhiswayup
throughtheholeagain,weighteddownbytheextrabody.HedroppedMarloon
topoftheplane,seeingthathe’dcutgashesintotheman’sneck.

OuthereJacecouldgethisbreath,butitwasstilltaintedwiththeheavy

smoke.Marlolayunmoving,andJacecouldn’ttellwhetherhewasbreathing.

Hegothisjawsaroundtheman’sshirtandneckagainandscrambledoffthe

wreckagetotheground.Oncehefeltthedirtunderhisfeet,heran,loping
almostsidewaysashedraggedMarlowithhim.Marlo’sfeetbump-bumpedover
thedryTexasgrasses.

Whentheywereaboutfiftyfeetfromtheplane,thefirecaughtthefuel’s

fumesandexploded.FirewashedoverJace,whothrewhimselfontopofMarlo.
Jacesmelledhisfurburninganddrewinalungfulofvolcanicair.Burningmetal
rainedaroundthem,sparkingonthedrygrass,whichobliginglycaughtfire.

Jacehauledhimselfup,knowinghewasonfire,anddraggedMarlodowninto

thesparserocksthatlinedashallowwash.Thewashwasdry,nowaterunderthe
blankbluesky,butitmightprotectthemfromtheflames.

JacedroppedMarloandrolledovertherocks,writhingdesperatelytogrind

outthefireinhisfur.Marlolayunmoving,bloodyandburned,buthedidn’t
smelldead.

Nowthathewasn’tburningaliveandcouldbreathe,Jacenoticedallthehurts

inhisbody,cutsfromcrawlingoutoftheplane,abrasionsandrawnessfrom
shieldingMarlo.Hisleftpawhurtlikehell,astingingpainthatmeanthe’dcut
himselfdeeply.

Jacerosestifflyfromhiscrouchinthewashandlookedaround.Theplane

burnedbyitselfinthemiddleofnothing.WestTexassprawledaroundthem,

emptyasfarasJace’sleopardeyescouldsee.Someonelikelyownedthisland,
maybeitwaspartofagiganticranch,butouthere,entirecountiesmighthave
onlyahandfulofhousesinthem.

Jaceshookhimself,achingallover,butheconsideredhimselflucky.He

hadn’tbrokenanythingasfarashecouldtell,andthoughchunksofhisfurhad
burnedoffandhisskinsmarted,hewouldheal.

Hisleftpawhurtlikehell,though.Thelastthingherememberedwas

clutchingDeni’sbraceletastheplanehittheearth.Jaceflexedthepadsofhis
emptypawandlookedbackattheburningwreck.He’ddroppedthebracelet.
Deni’sbracelet,whichhe’dpromisedtokeepsafeforher.No.

Hestartedtorunbacktowardtheplanebeforehisleopardbrainstoppedhim.

Letitgo.Thematebondwrappinghimwhimpered.Thatbracelethadbeenpart
ofher,andshe’dentrustedittohim.

Letitgo.Think.Survive.
Flee.
Jacewasfree.Nooneknewwherehewas.Whenhumanscametofindthe

plane,theywouldn’tevenknowhe’dbeeninit.He’dbeensmuggledgoods.
Shifters,includingDeniandhisfamily,wouldthinkhimdeadinsideit.Deni
wouldcry.Sowouldhisdad.

GriefbitatJace,butinhiscatform,survivalcamefirst.Hescannedthe

groundagain.Thefirstthinghenoticedwasacoyote,thin-leggedandmangy,
waitingtoseeifthetwofromthewreckwoulddie.Easierpickingsthanrabbits
thecoyotehadtochase.

Darkspecksappearedintheskyaswell,circlinghigherastheyspottedJace

lookingatthem.Turkeybuzzards,bigandblack,theyalsowaitingtosee
whetherthey’dfeasttoday.Thiswasthekill-or-be-killedwildouthere,norules
insight.

Jacesnarledandrushedatthecoyote.Theflea-bittenbeastsnarledinresponse

butfled.Notfar,though.OutofreachofJace’scharge,thecoyotestoppedand
waited.

Jacegrowledhischallenge.Inspiteofbeinghalf-burnedandthrownarounda

wreck,Jacefeltstrong,moresothanhehadinalongtime.Thepainofhis
Collarwascompletelygone,andinfact,hecouldn’tevenfeeltheCollarbiting
intohimanymore.Heshookhimselfagainandsatdowntolethisbackpaw
reachuptohisnecktoscratch.

Hestopped.Hisdelicatebacktoesdidn’tfindachain,burnedorloose,ortight

andwhole.Heswipedhisneckwithafrontpaw,withthesameresult.

Jacetoldhimselftoshift,tomakesure,andhewould—whenhecould

rememberhowto.Theleopardwantedtostayinthisform,soJacewasstaying

inthisform.

Hewrithedaround,tryingtofindtheCollarwitheachofhispawsinturn,

probablytotheamusementofthecoyote.Actually,thecoyotedidn’tcare—he
wassimplywaitingtoseewhetherJacewouldbefoodordanger.

No,wait—thecoyotehadvanished.Damnhim,he’dbeensneakingupon

MarlowhileJacewentthroughhiscontortions.Thecoyotedartedin,readyto
dragMarlo—orpiecesofhim—awaytohispack.

Jacewentforthecoyote.Earsup,pawsmovinginperfectrhythm,Jacerushed

thescavenger.Hedidn’tsnarlormakeanynoise—hedidn’thaveto.

ThecoyotebarelygotawayfromJace’sstrikingpaw.Jacecaughthistailwith

aclaw,causingthecoyotetoyelpandrun.Jacechasedhim,theleopardrejoicing
inthehunt,untilherealizedthatthebuzzardshadtakentheopportunitytoland
nearMarloandseeiftherewereanygoodpickings.

Jaceturnedandbarreledtowardthebirds,whoflappedawaywithslow

disdain.Hesnarledthistime,makinghisfurstandupsohe’dbelargeand
menacing.

HeknewforcertainthathisCollarwasgonewhenhefinallystoppedand

plantedhimselfnearMarlo.He’dbeenreadytokillthecoyoteandsavageits
body,andtheCollarhadn’ttriedtostophim.Jacehadmasteredthemeditation
technique,yes,butouthere,chasingawayscavengerswhiletryingtostayaway
fromaburningplane,hehadn’texactlybeenmeditating.

TheCollarwasgone.Completely.Itmusthavefallenoffinthewreckageor

whileJacehadbeendraggingMarloawayfromit.

ThatmeantthatsomehowintheburningmessthathadbeenMarlo’sairplane,

Jace’sCollarhadslippedoff,everylinkofit,withouthurtinghimandwithout
makingtheworldspinintoinsanity.

Jacesat,blinking,evenhisleopardrealizingtheenormityofit.Now,ifhe

couldshiftbacktohuman,findhiswayhome,andtrytofigureoutexactlyhow
ithadhappened,allShifterswouldbenefit.

Orhecouldstayinthewild.Forthefirsttimeintwentyyears,Jacewasfree.

NomoreCollar,nomorerules,noShiftertowns,justwind,earth,sky,andsmall-
brainedpredators.

Free,herepeated.
Theonlythingthatkepthistriumphantwildcatfromtakingoveranderasing

hishumanthoughtscompletelywasoneword:Deni.

Jacewouldfindherandfreehertoo.Thenhe’dliveouthislifewithher,the

mateofhisheart.Nooneinthiswidewildernesswouldbeabletoprevail
againstawolfandasnowleopard.HeandDeniwouldbefreetobealone
together,matesinthewild,asShiftersweremeanttobe.

Eveninthisvastplace,someonewouldhavereportedacrashingplaneby

now.Thehumanswouldbecoming.Jacedidn’tintendtoletthemfindhimhere.

HegrabbedMarlobytheshirt,draggedhimclosertotheburningwreckage,

whichwouldkeepthescavengersawayforawhile,thenturnedandlopedoff
intothetallTexasgrasses.Hispawstillhurthim,butthatwasaminor
inconvenience.

***

Erichadn’theardfromhissonallday,hetoldDeni,andJacelikelyhadhiscell
phoneoff.Ericwasworriedtoo,butMarlo’splanewasoldandslow.Itwouldn’t
landinLasVegasuntillateintheevening,butEricwouldkeephisearout.He
soundedplentyanxious,buttriedtocalmDeni’sfears,asagoodShifteralpha
should.

Liamtooreassuredher.Flyingundertheradartooktime,Marlooftenstopped

torefuelorlielowforafewhours.Marlohadacellphone,buthewasn’t
answeringeither,andhedidn’talways.

AfterLiamlefttoopenthebarintheafternoon,Denipaced,snappedat

everyone,andgotnothingdone.Anypatsonthebackorcalmingwordsonly
irritatedher.EricandLiamwereprobablyright—butTiger’swordsaboutseeing
somethingwrongwiththematebond,plusthetightnessinDeni’schestmadeher
halfcrazy.

EllisonleftforthebarafterLiam,tellingDeniandhismatethatLiamhad

calledatrackermeeting.Thatmeanttrackersonly—theShifterswhoworkedfor
Liamasbodyguards,investigators,orpeacekeepersasneedbe.Ronan,Ellison,
Spike,Sean,Tiger,andDylanmadetheirwaythere,leavingDenirestlessand
barelyincontrolofherself.

Atfive,shecouldn’tstanditanymore.Deniwalkedoutofthehouseand

downtheblock,makingherwaytothebarontheedgeofShiftertown.

Theparkinglotwasalreadyfull.Thisbarwasapopularstoponthewayhome

fromworkforhumanswholikedShifters.Groupieswerealreadythere,lounging
aboutsuggestively,waitingforShifterstocomelooking.Withthefightclubshut
downforawhile,thegroupieshaddecidedtopileonhere,itseemed.

ThehumanbartendershotDeniasharplookwhenshewalkedin.Theother

Shiftersalreadytherewerecagey,butwhenDeniaskedwhy,theydidn’thavean
answer.Theyknewsomethingwasup,buttheydidn’tknowwhat.Thetrackers
hadgoneintoLiam’sofficeandshutthedoor,theytoldher,thenallexceptLiam

andDylanhadcomeoutandleftthebar.Wherethetrackers,includingEllison,
hadgone,nooneknew.

DenihadnobusinessconfrontingLiam,whowasn’tinherfamilyandheld

plentyofrankoverher.Histrackermeetingmighthavenothingtodowithheror
Jace,orthepolice.ShitinvolvingShiftersandShiftertownhappenedallthe
time.

Oneofthegroupiegirlssatinaboothbyherself,talkingonherphone.And

talkingandtalking.She’dlookaround,andthenstarttalkingagain.Ifshewasn’t
talking,shewastexting.

Theyoungwomandidn’tlookmuchdifferentfromtheothergroupies.She

woreashort,skintightpinkdresswithmile-highblackheels,hadshortdyed-
blackhairthathadbeencutintocutewisps,andshe’dpaintedherfacewithcat’s
eyesandwhiskers.Heroutfitshouted,Comeandgetme,Shifter,Iliketopurr,
butherlooksandactionsspokeofextremenerves.

AfterDenihadwatchedhercovertlyforatime,sherealizedanotherthingthat

madethiswomandifferent.TheothergroupieswereeyeingShiftershungrily,or
sashayinguptothemwithoutshame.Mostgroupieswerefemale,asmanyofthe
Shiftershereweremale,butsomeyoungmalegroupieswereeyeingthemale
Shifters—andDeni—withthesamekindofinterest.

TheyoungwomanintheboothwasdoingherbestnottocatchanyShifter’s

attention.Whichmadenosenseifshedressedlikeagroupieandhungoutina
Shifterbar.

Denipickedupthebottleofbeerthebartenderhadslidtoherandcarriedit

withhertothebooth.Deniplunkedthebottleontothetableandsatdown
oppositetheyoungwoman.

Theyoungwomanjumpedasthoughstruckbysparks.Deniheldhergaze,the

girltryingtoevadehereyes.

“ThatShifteroverthere.”Denipointed.“Broderick.He’slookingforsome

action.”

WhetherBroderickwasornot,Denididn’tknow,buttheyoungwoman’s

reactionwastelling.Sheflinchedanddidn’tlookwhereDeniindicated.Infact,
shemovedalittlesoDeniwouldblockBroderick’slineofsightfromher.

“I’mwaitingforsomeone,”theyoungwomanmumbled.“Leavemealone,

Shifter.”

“Yeah?Whoareyouwaitingfor?”
Thewomanstaredather.Shehadlightblueeyesandsmelledstronglyoffear,

andevenmoreofanger.

“Noneofyourbusiness.”Shehaddefianceherwordsandeyes,buthervoice

shook.

“Interesting,”Denisaid.Shesnatchedthewoman’scellphonefromherhand

andstoodup.

Thegirlshrieked.“Hey,givethatback!”
Denisteppedawayfromherreachinghandsandscrolleddownherlistof

recentcalls.Onlyonehadbeenmadetoday,muchearlierthisafternoon,which
meantshe’dbeenfakingtalkingtosomeone.Stalling.She’dmadeplentyofcalls
yesterday,though,andthedaybeforethat,andonintothepreviousweek.Allto
theCityofAustinpolice.

“Don’tthinkso,”Denisaid.
Broderickturnedaround,scowling,notlikingtohavehisbeerdrinkingwith

hisbrothersinterrupted.“Whothehellismakingallthenoise?”Broderick
growled.

Deniignoredhim.Sheswungawayfromthegroupielungingforherphone

andwentforLiam’sofficedoor.ThiswastooimportantforrespectingLiam’s
privacy.“Broderick,don’tletherleave,”Denisaid,thenwasthroughthedoor
andintotheoffice.

Liamwasonthephoneathisdesk,Dylanhoveringnexttohim,listening.

UsuallyLiamsatbackherewithhisfeetup,casuallygoingoverbilling,
invoices,payroll,andthelike,buttodayhesatstraightupinhischair,hishand
overhiseyes,andhewasspeakingrapidlyintothephone.

“Haveyoupinpointedwhere?”heaskedwhoeverwasontheotherend.“Well,

damnit,findit.”

“Findwhat?”ColdwashedthroughDeni,triggeringthedizzinessshe’dbeen

fightingallday.“Liam?”

DylancamequicklyaroundDeniandclosedthedoor.“Keepitdown,lass.We

can’tlettheworldknow.”

“Knowwhat?Damnit,tellme.”
Liamglancedupather,hisfacestrainedashelistenedtothestreamofwords

comingfromhisphone.Heshotalookathisfatherandnodded.

DylantookDeni’shandbetweenhis,pressingwarmthintoit.“Wedidn’twant

youtoknowuntilweweresure,Den.Marlo’splanewentdown,somewherein
WestTexas.Wedon’tknowwhereyet,andwedon’tknowwhosurvived.”

ChapterTwelve

Deni’sworldstopped—ormaybeitkeptspinning,whirlingoutofcontrolwhile
shefrozeinoneplace.ShecouldbarelyseeDylanasshestaredathim,onlythe
blueofhiseyesasheheldhergaze.

Shockandthenpanicsweptthroughher,andherwolfstartedtohowl,agrief-

stricken,wildhowlthatonlyhappenedwiththedeathofamate.

“Deni,”Dylan’svoicecutthroughthenoise.“Keeplookingatme.”
ThevoicethatcameoutofDeni’smouthwassnarlingandwrong.“Whereis

he?”

“SouthoftheI-10,”Liamsaid.“SomewherebetweenhereandFortStockton.

Great,”hesaidintothephone.“Coversahellofalotofground.”

Deniheardavoiceontheotherend—Ronan,shethought,fromthedeep

timbre.“That’sallweknow,”Ronansaid.“Wecan’tasktoomanyquestions.”

“Ask,”Denisnarled.“Findhim.”
“Lass,”Dylansaid.
“Don’t‘lass’me.Findhim.He’smymate.”
BothDylanandLiamfocusedonher,asthetruthofitfilledDeni,hurtingher

andelatingheratthesametime.Mymate.Hurt.Lost.Find!

Deniwasgrowlingagain,theedgesofherworldgoingconcaveashereyes

changedtoherwolf’s.Dylanpriedthecellphoneshe’dtakenfromthegirlout
ofherhand,whichDenihadclampeddownonsohardtheplasticwasstartingto
crack.

“Wheredidyougetthis?”Dylanasked,lookingatthesmartphone,whichno

Shifterwouldcarry.

“Spy,”Denisaid,forcingouttheword.“Broderickhas.”
Dylan’seyesmovedashereadthephonenumbers,thenhegaveafurious

snarlandshovedhiswaypastDeni,bangingoutoftheoffice.

DeniyankedLiam’sphonefromhishands.“Ronan.Youtellmewhereheis.”
“Deni?”Ronan’stonesoftened.“Yeah,thoughtso.Sean’shackingasfastas

hecan.He’stryingtopindownthelocationbasedonreports.”

“Whereareyou?”

“Don’tknow.”Ronanturnedawayfromthephone,exchangingquestionswith

others.“Lookslikewe’reaboutwherethe55runsintothe277,whereverthatis.
Alittlewestofthat.Ellisonsaysdon’tyoudarecomeouthere.”

“TellEllison...”
Deni’scoherencelefther.Shedidn’trememberdroppingthephoneorsaying

anythingtoLiam.Sheonlyknewshewaswalkingoutthroughthebar,past
Dylan,whohadthepseudo-groupiepinnedbetweenhimselfandBroderick,
ignoringthemwhentheytriedtostopher.Shewalkedandwalkeduntilshe
foundherselfinfrontofherownhouse,pullingoutthenewmotorcycleEllison
hadboughtherandmountingit.

Denimusthavefoundthekeys,putonherhelmet,jeans,andboots.Shedidn’t

remember.Inafewminutes,shewaspullingoutofShiftertown,skimming
throughtraffictotheroadsthatledwestoutoftown.

Denididn’tknowTexaslikeEllisondid,butsheknewhowtogetfromAustin

acrossHillCountrywest,headingthroughFredericksburgtowardthe10.Atthe
onramptotheinterstate,shepaused,debatingwhethertogonorthorsouth.She
pickednorth,turningagainafteraboutthirtymilestothe377andcuttingsouth.

Notuntilshewaswelldownthehighway,headingsouthandwestasfastas

shecould,didsherealizeshewasridinghermotorcycle.

Alone.Outontheroad,underthesky,throughtheflatTexaslandsanddust.

Onherown.Noonewithher,noJaceholdingherandtellinghershecoulddoit.

She’dnavigatedtrafficthatmovedthicklytoFredericksburgandthenthe

speedingtrucksonthe10,andnowtheopenhighwaywithoutanyfearexcept
thatwhichfilledheraboutJace.

Thesunwasstillhigh,thougheveningwascomingon.Notmuchtrafficout

herenow.Deniopenedthebikeupalltheway,thehigh-poweredmachinetaking
herswiftlydowntheroad.Shiftersweren’tallowedtobuynewvehicles,but
DenialwaysthoughtHarleyswerebetteroncetheywerebrokenin.Ellisonhad
tinkeredwiththisoneuntilitpurredlikealion,ormaybeasnowleopard.

Deniranitsofastshealmostmissedthe55,whichjoggedfromthisroadwest

andalittlenorth.Shespeddownit,squintingagainstthebrightsun,niceandhot
stillinlateJuly.

The55endedinaTjunctionwiththe277,onelegoftheTgoingnorth,the

othergoingsouth.Denistoppedatalittlepulloffatthecrossroadsandlooked
around.Onetruckrumbledpastsouth,andacarspednorth,itsheadlightsturned
onagainstthegatheringtwilight.Noroadwentwestfromhereexceptforadirt
trackthatheadedoffintothewilderness.

ButRonanhadsaidtheywerewestofthisintersection,andsothatwaswhere

theywere.

Deniwaiteduntiltheroadwasclear,thensheglidedthebikeacrossthe

highwayandontothefaintdirtpaththatledintonothing.Herwolfsenseskicked
inassherode.She’dtakenoffherhelmetatthecrossroads,andnowshecould
see,hear,andsmellasaShifterwhileherhumanbodynavigatedthebike.

Astheskydarkened,thehugearchofitbrushedwithstars,Denisawatiny

orangelightfartoherleft.Thenarrowdirtroadbenttoherright,takingher
awayfromit,andshehadnowayofknowingwhetherthetrackwouldcurve
aroundagaintowhereshewantedtogo.

Denishutoffthebike,strippedoffherclothes,stretchedherlimbs,and

changedtoherwolf.

Onceinwolfform,shesmelledthegreasysmokefromfarawayburningfuel,

thescentmakinghergag.Denitrottedintotheemptyland,hominginonthefire.
Shepassedoilwells,starkmetalgiantsagainstthetwilitsky,theirheadsmoving
upanddown,clankingastheypumped.Buttheywereinsignificant,an
affectationofhumans.Deniwaswolfnow,nothingmore,andthenightflowed
toher.

Afteralongtimeofunceasingtrotting,shemadeittowhatshenowsawwas

thesmolderingwreckofasmallairplane.Insidetheperimeterofthefire’slight,
shesawthehulkingformsofRonanandTigerandthetalloneofSpikebending
overaheapontheground.

Jace?Deni’sheartpoundedasshespedup.No,Denisawandscentedasshe

nearedtheothers.Themanonthegroundwashuman,probablythepilot,Marlo.
Shesmellednostenchofdeath,soMarlowasstillalive.RonanandSpikewere
lashinghimontoastretcher,preparingtoloadhimintoapickupthatwasparked
nearby.Tigersawherandgaveheralonglookthenheturnedbacktohelping
withMarlo.

AnotherwolfranoutofthedarknessandstraighttoDeni—Ellison,largeand

gray,hiswolf’seyesmeetinghers.Ellisonshowedsorrowbutalsoanger.

Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?hisbodylanguagesaid.Whatpartof‘don’t

youdarecomeouthere’didn’tyouunderstand?

Where’sJace?Denisnappedback,stoppingherselffromthrowingherselfat

himandhowlinginanguish.

Don’tknow.Losthisscent.
Denigrowledandrushedpasthim.SheheardEllisonsnarlacursebehindher

andfollow.

Denidashedintothefirelight,earningastartledlookfromtheShiftersthere.

Sean,swordonhisback,startedtostepinfrontofher,butDeniranaroundhim
toTiger.You’resupposedtobesogoodatsearchandrescue,shegrowledupat
Tiger.Whereishe?Deniglaredathim,willinghimtounderstand,butshewasa

wolf,andheatiger,andwhoknewwhatgotthrough?

Tigerwatchedher,hisbrowsfurrowedoverhisgoldeneyes.“Youhaveto

findhim,”hesaid.

Whyhaven’tyou?
Tigerkeptstaringather.“Youhaveto.”
“Tiger,alittlehelphere,”Ronancalledtohim.
TigerlockedgazeswithDeniabeatlongerthenheturnedawaytowhere

Ronanwasdoingsomethingneartheburningdebris,Denihadnoideawhat.
Denigrowledinfrustrationandranfromthefirelight,searchingtheperimeterof
thecrashsiteforJace’sscent.

Shepickeditupalittlewaybeyondthewreck,whenthewindblewthesmoke

fromherface—Jace,loudandclear.Shestartedoffafterhim.

Alreadytriedthat,cameEllison’sgrowl.Lostitprettyquick.
Deniwasn’tlistening.EachspeciesofShifterhadanadvantageoverthe

others.Felinescouldseebrilliantlyinthedark,andtheywerefast.Bearshad
greatstrengthandalsostamina,probablybecausetheysleptsomuch,Denihad
alwaysprivatelythought.

ButwolvesbeatbothbearsandFelinesintheabilitytofollowscent.No

ShiftercouldoutdoaLupineonascenttrail.Awolf’ssecondprowesswas
communication.Wolveshowledfromhilltohill,passinginformation,warning,
claimingterritory.TheirnonverbalskillswerethebestofanyShifter.

Rightnow,Denineededonlyscent.LetEllisonhowlather—shehadamate

tofind.

ShelostJace’strailfairlysoon,asEllisonhadwarnedher,nearanotheroil

well,thisonecapped.Themetallicstenchofoldoilandrustingmachinery
cancelledoutthewarmerscentofShifter,andDenisatdownonherhaunches,
bereft.

Jacehadcomethisway,though,thatwascertain.Whetherhe’ddoubledback,

orwaslyinghurtsomewhere,Denicouldn’ttell.

ButJacewashermate.Theysharedthematebond—nodoubtaboutit.Deni

feltitinsideher,itswarmtharoundherheart,fillingherwithstrength.

Deni’saccidenthadrobbedherofmostofherconfidence.She’dgonethrough

episodeswhereshe’dforgottenwhoshewasanddidn’tknowanyonearoundher
—she’dattackedEllison,andshe’dturnedonherfriendsandsometimesher
owncubs.Terrifiedofhurtingthosesheloved,she’dlockedherselfintoatiny
world,whereshewentoutlittle,andkeptherselffromfighting,orevenenjoying
herselftoomuch.She’dnotbeenabletorideamotorcycle,evenbehind
someoneelse,asshe’dexplainedtoJace,aftershe’dbeenrundown,growing
terrifiedevenatthethought.Seeingthedangerousmanwho’dhurtherdiehad

helpedherbegintofindclosure,butthelingeringfearsdiedhard.

Thelossofcontrol—theferalrisingupinherandtakingover—botheredher

themost.Butinthisplace,inthedarkness,Denirealizedthattheonlywayshe
wouldfindhermatewouldbetosurrendertothebeastinsideher.

Shemovedawayfromtheoilwell,thensatdownandclosedhereyes.Deni

drewlongbreaths,scentingpastthebarrieroftheoilandthefire,searchingthe
night.

Sherememberedwhathadgonethroughherwhenshe’dseenBroderickattack

Jaceatthefightclub.Shehadn’tknownJacewashermatethen,butsomething
inDenihadmadeherattackBroderick,tofightalongsideJaceandprotecthim.

Denibroughttolifetheragethathadwashedoverherthen,rememberingthe

feelandtasteofit.Sheletgoofallrationalthought,andletthebeastcome.

HerCollarsparkedonce,buthercoherencelefther,andinstincttookover.
Thewolfputherheaddownandsniffedtheground,walkingatfirst,then

movingfaster.Shecrisscrossedbackandforthoveropenearthandthendowna
rockywash.

Shefoundnothing,butDeni’swolfwouldn’tlethergrowfrustrated.Tracking

byscenttookpatienceandtime.Sheclimbeduptheothersideofthewash,
continuingtohunt,coveringeveryinchofgroundshecould.Shemovedfarther
andfartherfromthewreck,leavingtheotherShiftersfarbehind.Stillshefound
nothing.EitherJacehadleftsomeotherwaythanhisownfeet,orhe’dhidden
himselfwell.

Denisatdowninthedarkness,hearingtheslitherofsnakesinthedriedgrass,

theygivingherawideberth.Shecouldscentnothingbutthenightnow—the
grainsofdustonthewind,thecoolnessofwaterfaraway,thewilddrynessof
Texas,unchangedforcenturies.Nowildcats,exceptthoseatthewreckbehind
her,noShiftersatall.

Maybescentwasn’twhatsheshouldbefollowing,thedimthoughtcame.

Denicontemplatedthatinherquietwolfway,thensheclosedhereyes,wrapped
herselfaroundthematebond,andsentitoutward.

There.Anansweringtug,fartothewestandsouthofwhereshestood.Jace

wasthere.Falsescentscouldbelaid,andscentscouldbecovered,butnothing
coulddisguisethealmostpainfultugofthematebond.

Denilopedbackthewayshe’dcome,acrossthewash,andstartedrunning,

drawntoJacewithsurety.

SheheardEllisonhowlinfrustrationsomewherebehindher.He’dlosther

scentandcouldn’tfindherinthedarkness.Nomatter.Deniwouldfindhermate
andbringhimhome,andallwouldbewell.

***

Jacesensedhercoming.Thesnowleopardstoppedinmidrun,pulledupshortas
thoughsomeonehadsnappedatetheronhimandyankedhimtoahalt.

He’dbeenrunning,puttingasmuchdistancebetweenhimselfandthewreck

ashepossiblycould.Whoeverfoundhim—Shifterorhuman—wouldwantto
draghimbacktocaptivity,Collars,andrules.Shifterstamingthemselves,Jace
wasrealizing,didn’tmeansafety.Itmeantsubmission.

Buthismatewascoming.
Jacestoppedonalittlerise,ararethinginthisflatworld.Hesatdown,

panting,wrappinghiscattailaroundhimashewaitedforher.

Deniracedoutofthedrygrasses,herbodyastreakofgrayunderthe

moonlight.Shecamefast,runninguptherise,notstopping.Sheletoutajoyful
yipandbarreledintoJacesohardtheyrolledtogetherdowntheothersideofthe
littlehillandendedupinaheaponthebottom.

Denishiftedintoherhumanform,naked,herbodyoutlinedbystarlight.Tears

streakedherface.

“Ifoundyou.”ShewrappedherarmsaroundJace’sleopard,whohuffedand

nuzzledher.“Ifoundyou.”

Jacelickedherface,tastinghertears,andDenilaughedashisroughtongue

nearlypushedherover.Comewithme,mylove,Jaceurged.Intothewild,where
webelong.

Denipulledback,studyinghim.“Areyouallright?Itlookslikethey’retaking

Marlotoahospital.Youshouldgetlookedattoo.”

Foranswer,Jacejumpedonher,knockinghertotheground.Deni’smouth

curvedtolaughterassheheldanarmfuloffur.“Seriously,Jace.Iwasworried
aboutyou.Everyoneis.Ithoughtyouweredead.”

Thetearsreturned.Jacelickedthemawayagain,thistimebeinggentle.
“IwassoscaredforyouthatIjumpedonmymotorcycleandrodeaway

withoutrealizingit.Didyouhearme?Irode.Mymotorcycle.Bymyself.AndI
wasn’tafraid!”

Jacelickedheragain.I’mglad,myheart.Youarehealing.
“Ridebackwithme.Thatwillbeevenbetter.”
Nope.Notgoingback.
“Jace.”Denistrokedhishead,andJacewantedtopurr.“Idon’tspeakFeline

verywell.Changeandtalktome.”

Jacedidn’twanttochange.He’dstaycat,she’dstaywolf,andthey’dmakea

densomewhere.Theyweresmartenoughtohuntandevadehunters,andto

teachtheircubstodothesame.Helovedherscent,whichwasstirringhis
matingfrenzy.

“What’swrong?”Deniaskedhim,strokinghimagain.“Iletgoofmybiggest

fearjustnow—losingcontrolofmyself—toletmywolftakeoversoIcouldfind
you.Andyouknowwhat?I’mfine.Look.”Shespreadherarms.“Ididn’tgo
feral.Ifoundyou,andIdidn’tlosemyself.Idon’thavetobeafraidanymore.”
SheheldJaceagain,hismatestrongandwarm.“Thecrashmusthavebeen
horrible.Butdon’tloseyourself,Jace.Please.Comebacktome.”

TherewasnothingwrongwithJace.Hewasfree,andCollarless.Butitwas

darkandDenihadn’ttouchedhisneck.Shedidn’tunderstandyet.

“Please,Jace.Ineedyou.”
Tearstrickledfromhereyesagain,tuggingJaceoutofhisanimalfocus.He

shifted,notassmoothlyasheusuallydid,butjerkingandgroaningwiththepain
ofit.Hiscatdidnotwanttoletgo.

“Itcameoff,”Jacesaid,thewordsbearingaFelinegrowl.“Look.TheCollar.

Gone.”

HetookDeni’shandandputittohisneck.
Deni’seyeswidened.ShebrushedJace’sbareneck,whichdidn’thurtatall,

skimmingherfingersaroundtohisthroat.“Whathappened?”

“Don’tknow.WasoutofthewreckbeforeIrealized.Maybethefire.Maybeit

takesintenseheattomeltthemoff.”

JacetouchedDeni’sface,hisneedforherkickinghimhard.Denimovedto

histouch,thenshegrabbedhishandandstaredatit.“Whatisthat?”

Jaceglancedathispalm.Itstillhurt,andnowhesawwhy.Hispalmwas

burnedbutcrossedbyagoldstreak,whichherealizedwasDeni’sbracelet.The
slendergoldbandhadbeenfusedintohisskin.

ChapterThirteen

“Hurts,”Jacesaid.Anditchedtoo.

Denikissedhispalm,herlipscool.“Icanseethat.Whathappened?”
“Itmusthaveheatedandmelted,”Jacesaid.“Sorry,Den.IpromisedI’dbring

itbacktoyou.”

“Youdid.”Denitouchedhisfaceandgavehimasmilethattightenedthebond

aroundhisheart.“Let’sgohome.”

“Wearehome.”Deniwasunderhim,herbodysoft,herscentandwarmth

makinghimforgetpain.“Stayherewithme.”

Shelookedworriedagain.“Weneedtogoback.Youhavefriendsandfamily

wholoveyou,andthey’reafraidforyou.”

Jacenuzzledher.“ButI’mfreeofeverything.I’mdonewithbeingused,hurt,

experimentedon.I’mfinishedbeingeasygoingJace,inthebackground.Ihave
mymate,mylife.Ihaveyou.”

Deni’sexpressionsoftened.“Yes.”
Thematingfrenzywaskickinginwithhertoo;Jacesawitinhereyes.Her

fingerswerehotasshebrushedhisface,findinghishurts.

Thetouchofthematehealed.Jaceclosedhiseyesandknewhiswoundswere

closing,hisburnseasing,hisShiftermetabolismhelpedbythegentlecaressof
histruemate.

“Jace,staywithme.”
Jaceopenedhiseyes,realizinghe’dstartedtoreverttohisleopard.Heforced

himselfintohumanshapeagain.Heneededtostayhumanrightnow,becausehe
wantedtohaveher.

Hegrowledlowinhisthroat.Denirecognizedthesound,hereyesbecoming

darker,filledwithneed.Sheranherhandsuphisbackandtohisneck.

Jaceknewthatoncehestartedkissingher,he’dnotbeabletostop,andhe

didn’tcare.Heslantedhismouthoverhers,tastingherheat,herfrenzy.Itbuilt
andgrew,callingtohisownfrenzy,whichanswered.

Thekissesturnedfierce.JacebitdownonDeni’slowerlip,elicitingagasp

fromherbutalsolaughter.Shearchedagainsthimwhileshelaughed,herbody

movinginwonderfulways.

Jaceheldherdownwithastronghandandenteredher.Asheslidinside,his

worldchanged.

Theselfishwildnessthathadinfusedhimwhenhe’drealizedhe’dlostthe

Collarwhirledintoonetightfocus.Deni.Shealonemattered.Hewantedtobe
withher—forever—andnowhereelse.EvenifhehadtoreturntoShiftertown
withher,tostillbeacaptive,itdidn’tmatteranymore.Jacewouldfindawayto
bewithher,hevowedthis.AndwithDeni,he’dalwaysbefree.

Hefitintoherasthoughshe’dbeenmadeforhim.Jacekissedherlips,her

face,herlipsagainashedrewbackthenstrokedinsideherevendeeper.

Denisuckedinherbreathandthenshesmiled,hereyesdarkeninginpleasure.

Shetouchedhischeekasshelikedto,herfingertipsasoftcounterparttothe
crazedneedinsidehim.

Jacerockedintoher,herbodysqueezingdownonhimandturninghimwild.

Rawneedfloodedhim,relievedonlybythewonderfulfeelingofthrustinginto
her.Strokeafterstroke,lovingher,cradlingherbodywithonearmsothehard
dirtwouldn’tcutintoher.

“Mymate,”hewhispered.“Isawyou,andneverwantedtobewithoutyou.”
Denishookherhead,fingersthreadingthroughhishair.“Jace.”
“Bemine,”Jacesaid.“Sayit.Alwaysmine.”
Denismiled.“Mine.”
Hereturnedthesmile,hisfierce.“Forever.”
“Yes.”
Thewordturnedintoagroan.Deni’sgripbitintohisshoulders,andsheheld

himwhilesheshudderedandcriedhisname,herthrustsmeetinghis.Jacebent
hisheadandnippedherneck,tastingthemetallictangofherCollar.

He’dhaveitoffher—he’dfigureouthow.Andshe’dbefree,withhim.The

painwouldbegone,andDeniwouldheal.He’dbewithher,nexttoher,helping
heralltheway.

“Jace.”
Deni’sgroanfilledhimwithfrenzy.Histhrustsgrewfaster,hisgrowlsdeeper.

He’dgotogroundwithher,andthey’ddothisalldaylongandintothenight.
She’dsmileathim,beautifulandsensual,andwrapherarmsaroundhim,
wantingtodoitagain.

“Deni.Goddess.”Jacelosthisseedintoher,pumpinghishipswhileshe

laughedtothestars.

Jaceraisedhishead,hisbodyslickwithsweat,andkissedherlips,hermouth

hotwithafterglow.“Iloveyou,”hesaid,hisheartineveryword.

“Iloveyoutoo,Jace.Alwaysmymate.”

Jacewasstillhard,pulsingwithneedforher.Hegaveheraferalsmileashe

thrustintoheragain,beginningtherhythmoncemore.

Denigavehimastartledlook,andthenshelaughed.Thelaughtersoonturned

togroans,andtheygavethemselvesovertothefrenzy,theircriesringingagainst
themillionsofbrightstars.

***

EllisonfoundJaceandDeniwheretheylaytogetherinthewarmTexasnight.Of
coursehedid—Deniknewthey’dgivenhimplentyoftimetofindtheirscent,
andtheymusthavebeenthrowingoffpheromoneslikecrazy,providinganeasy
trailtofollow.

Ellisoncametrottingupashiswolf,thenshiftedtohumanandgroaned.“Not

again.Iswear,Ican’tcomenearyoutwowithoutfindingyoutangledtogether.”
Hisvoiceheldreliefthough,evenrejoicing.

JacehelpedDenitoherfeetandputherbehindhiswarmbody,butwhenhe

facedEllison,hewasn’tdefensiveandangry—heshowedhisopenhands,a
postureofpeace.

“Congratulateus,Ellison,”Jacerumbled.“I’mmate-claimingyoursister,

DeniRowe,underthelightofthemoon,theGoddess,andinfrontofawitness
—you.IplantoaskLiamormydadtoperformthematingritualsassoonas
theycan.”

Ellisonstopped,moonlightgleamingonhislighthairandwolf-grayeyes.He

wasDeni’salpha,theleaderofhersmallpack,butansweringthemate-claim
wasDeni’schoice.“Yougoodwiththat,Den?”Ellisonasked,hisvoicegoing
soft.

“Yeah.”DenislidherarmsaroundJacefrombehind,lovingthetallsolidness

ofhisbody,hiswarmscent,thefeelofhisskinasshekissedhisshoulder.“I’m
goodwiththat.Iacceptthemate-claim.Jace?”Sheheardtheshakinginher
voice.“Youreadytogohome?TomyhomeImean—it’scloserrightnow.We
cancallyourdadfromthere.Ibehe’sworriedsick.”

Deniheldherbreath,waitingforJacetowanttoreturntotheleopard,toinsist

Denicomewithhimintothewild,orleaveonhisownifshewouldn’t.Hewore
noCollarnow—therewasnothingtostophim.

Evenso,lifeinthewildwasdangerous.Jacecouldbefound,hunted,killed.

Andhecouldstillgoferal—Shifterswholivedontheirown,lettingtheirbeasts
takeover,oftendidgoferal.TheShiftersEllison’smate,Maria,hadbeen

rescuedfromhadrefusedtotakeCollars,hiddenout,andbecomeferaland
cruel.Collars,fortheirpain,andtheShifterlaws,fortheirrestrictions,atleast
workedtohelpkeepShifterssane.

JaceturnedinDeni’sarmsandlookeddownather,hisfaceinshadow.Ellison

waitedbehindhim,tense,uncertain.

Deni’sheartached,bothwiththebondandwithworry.Jacelookedbetter,his

burnspalestreaksinthemoonlight.Helookedstrongertoo,andmoreatease,
anyuncertaintyhemighthavefeltforhisplaceintheworldgone.

Thenhesmiled.Everybitoflovewasinthesmile,everybitoftenderness.He

brushedbackalockofDeni’shair,hisfingerswarm.

“We’llwanttotellyourcubsyouacceptedmymate-claim,”Jacesaid.“So

yeah.Let’sgohome.”

***

AShiftermeetingwascalledinLiam’shousethenextday,afterJaceandDeni
hadrestedfromthelongdrivebacktoAustin—well,Denirememberedwitha
blush—they’ddonemorethanjustrest.ThemeetingincludedEricWarden,
Jace’sfather.

Deni’sheartsqueezedasEricstrodeacrossthehousetomeetJacewhenhe

camein,fatherenfoldingsoninalong,hardembrace.Eric’smate,Iona,who
washeavywithEric’schild,alsohuggedJace,wipingawayhertearswhenshe
releasedhim.

JacereachedforDeni,who’dhungbackfromthefamilygreeting,andpulled

herforward.“YourememberDeniRowe,Ellison’ssister.”

EricunderstoodtheirconnectionassoonashelookedatDeni,andIona

caughtonasecondlater.EricgazedatDeniwitheyesthesamecolorashis
son’s,thenheputhisbigarmsaroundDeniandpulledherintoanembrace
equallyastightastheonehe’dsharedwithJace.

“Thankyou,child,”Ericsaid,hisvoicerumblingintoherear.“Welcometo

thefamily.”

HestoodDenibackandstudiedher,asatisfiedlookinhiseyes.Ionaslidpast

EricandhuggedDeniherself.

“Congratulations,youtwo.”IonawinkedatDeniasshesteppedawayfrom

her.“Jaceisasweetheart.Akeeper.”

Denismiledheragreement.“Ithinkso.”
“AndnowCollar-free,”Ericsaid.“ThanktheGoddess.”

DeniunderstoodEricwasthankingtheGoddessformorethanJace’sCollar

beingoff.AshudderwentthroughEric,whichDenirecognizedasafather’s
reliefthathiscubwassafeandwhole.

“Jacehasatheoryaboutthat,”Liamsaidfromwhereheloungedonawindow

seatinthelivingroom.Heheldhisblack-haireddaughterinthecurveofhis
arm,littleKatrionawatchingtheadultswithinterest.“Carryon,lad.”

Jacehelduphishand,whichborearedstreak.Lastnight,whenthey’d

returnedtotheAustinShiftertownandafterSeanandDylanhadgottenMarloto
ahospital—theresilientmanwasonthemend—SeanandJacehadpainfullydug
theremnantsofthegoldchainfromJace’shand.Andreahadquicklydonea
healingonhim,thenDenihadcompletedthehealingintheprivacyoftheRowe
family’ssecretbasement.

“FionnsawthebraceletlastnightwhenhewasvisitingAndrea,”Jacesaid.

“AndreatoldmethismorningthatFionntoldherthatthisbraceletismadeof
Faegold.PasseddownthroughthefemalelineofmanygenerationsofDeni’s
mother’sfamily.ShiftersusedtoliveinFaerie—whycouldn’toneofthemhave
hadaccesstoFaegold?”JaceslidhisarmaroundDeni.“Iwasholdingthe
bracelet,whichDenigavemeasakeepsake,whentheplanewentdown.Iwent
throughhell,nearlyburnedalive.Theheatmusthavemelteditintome,whereit
enteredmynervoussystemorbloodstream,orskincells,orsomething.Ihaven’t
figuredthatpartout.Butsomehow,myCollarloosenedandfellaway,without
hurtingme.ThoughmaybeIdidn’tnoticethepainwhilemyfurwasbeingfried
off.”

“Thethirdelement,”Seansaid.HedangledaCollarfromhishand,Jace’s

Collar,whichSeanhadfoundinthewreckage.“Silverandhumantechnology,
fusedtogetherbyFaegold.WhetherthegoldisalreadyintheCollaroronlyput
intoitwhentheCollargoesontheShifter’sneck,wedon’tknowyet.”

“OrhowtousethatknowledgetogettheCollarsoff,”Jacesaid.
SeanstudiedJace’sCollar,whichlookedremarkablyintactforitstimeinthe

crucibletheplanehadbecome.“Maybeasyringeoftheliquidgoldcarefully
injectedintotheShifterwillloosenit?Orsimplyrubbedontheskin?Willbe
tricky,this,sinceFaegold’sprettyhardtofind,accordingtoFionn.Fionnsays
he’llhelpus,butevenhesaysit’sveryrare.”

“Heclaimshehasitinthewallsinhishouse,”Jacesaid.“Tellhimtodigit

outforus.”

“Heexplainedthattome,”Seansaid,withoutsmiling.“Hesaidwhenitwas

allchippedawayitwouldonlybeanounceorso.Butwe’llworkonfindinga
source.Andstarttryingouttechniques.Itmightstillbeverypainful.”

JacetouchedthefakeCollararoundhisneck,puttherecourtesyofLiamand

Dylanthismorning.“Well,youcantryitonsomeonenotme.I’mdonemessing
withCollars.”

Seannoddedinunderstanding.“You’vegotit,lad.Volunteersonly.ButI’m

thinkingsomewillputupwithalittlehotgoldontheirskintobefreeofthese
bloodydevices.”

“Me,”Denisaid.“Youcantryitfirstonme.Usewhateverisleftinthe

bracelet.I’msuremymotherwouldbefinewithmeusingittofreemyselfand
mymate.”

Jace’sholdonhertightened.“No.Notuntiltheyknowwhatthey’redoing.”
“Seanwillfigureitout.”DenileanedintoJace,feelingwarmandprotected.“I

wantthisdamnedCollaroff.Iwanttohealalltheway.Withyou,andwithout
theCollar.”

Jacegrowled,butshesawsympathyinhiseyes.“Allright,butI’mwithyou

everystepoftheway.Everysecond.AndifSeanhurtsyoumorethannecessary,
heanswerstome.”

“Oh,good,”Seansaid.“Nopressure.Don’tworry,lass.I’llbetryingthese

ideasonmeselfaswell.IhaveamatewhocanmakeusallbetterifIscrewup.”

“IhopeIcan,”Andreasaid.Sheheldhersonclose,hisgrayeyessomuchlike

hismother’s.

“I’mjustfeelingbetteraboutthisallthetime,”Seansaid.
“WecandovolunteersfromourShiftertowntoo,”Ericsaid.“Thosewho

wouldmostbenefit.IfthereprovestobesolittleFaegold,theweakerShifters
shouldbereleasedfirst,thosewhoseCollarshurtthemthemost.Thoseofus
whocancontroltheCollars’effects—we’llsuckitupforawhile.”

“SpeakingofyourShiftertown,”Denisaid,andEricfocusedonher.
“Don’tworry—I’llmakesureJacecanmovehereofficially,”Ericsaid.“And

haveleavetovisitmeandbringyouwithhimasoftenaspossible.”Eric
swallowed,thelightinhiseyesdimming.“I’llmisshim,butIknowwhatamate
bondislike.”HishanddriftedtoIona’s,andhismateroseontiptoeandkissed
hischeek.

AnotherthingJacewasdoingforher,Denireflected.Traditionally,Shifter

womenmovedintothehomesoftheirmates,leavingtheirownfamiliesbehind.
ButitwouldbedifficulttoobtainpermissiontomoveDeniandhertwocubsto
theLasVegasShiftertown,anditwouldalsomeanleavingEllison.Toprevent
Denihavingtoleavehersonsbehind,Jacehadvolunteeredtomovehere
instead.Abreakwithtradition,butakindone.

“Well,”Liamsaid,pushinghimselffromthewindowseatandhanding

KatrionatoKim.“I’mlookingforwardtoconductingyetanothermating
ceremony.UnlessEricfightsmeforthehonor.Butwehaveotherbusinessat

hand.Tiger.”

Tigerunfoldedhisbigarmsandmovedtothebasementdoor—thedoortothe

truebasement,nottheMorrisseys’secretspace.TheShiftersatthismeeting
wereLiamandfamilyandLiam’strackers,plusEricandIona.Liamhadasked
forEric’sadviceonthestickyproblemDenihaduncoveredattheShifterbar.

TigerunlockedandopenedthedoortorevealtheyoungwomanDenihad

caughtwiththephonethatshowedshe’dmademanycallstothepolice.She’d
washedofftheShiftergroupiemakeupbutstaredaroundattheShifterswith
defianceinhereyes.Broderick,who’dinsistedonguardingher,broughtherup
thelastofthestairswithhishandlightlyonhershoulder.Broderick’sgrayeyes
sweptthetrackers,andhelookedalmostasdefiantastheyoungwoman.

“ThisisJoanneGreene,”Liamsaid.“She’sbeenfollowingShiftersaround

andreportingthingstothepolice—thefightclub,whatShiftersdoatthebar—
andaskingthecopstotalktoShiftersandwatchthem...”

DenihadwonderedwhatLiamwoulddowiththeyoungwoman.Dylannow

wenttoher,andthewoman’sdefiancedissolvedintoterror.Dylanstoppedafoot
infrontofher,inherpersonalspace.“Tellmysonwhatyoutoldme,”Dylan
said.

Herchincameup.“WhyshouldI?”
Shewasyoung,evenforahuman.Inhermidtwenties,Deniguessed,ifthat.

Connor,whowasonlyalittleyoungerthanJoanne,shookhishead.“I’dtellhim.
IfyouthinkGrandda’sscary,wait’tilyoufaceUncleLiam.”

Brodericksqueezedhershoulder.“Bestgetitoverwith.”Hesounded

sympathetic,interestinglyenough.

Joannetookadeepbreath.“Becauseyoutookmysister,”shesaid.
Liamblinkedinsurprise,andsodidmostoftheShifterspresent.“Your

sister?”

“Mysister,Nancy,”Joannesaid.“She’sthetrueShiftergroupie.Lovesto

chaseShifters.Shewashere,inShiftertown.Thenshedisappeared.Whatdid
youdowithher?”

Liamgaveherablanklook.“Wedidn’tdoanythingwithher,lass.Wherewas

shelast?WithwhatShifter?”

“Idon’tknow.”Joanne’seyesflashedanger.“DoesitmatterwhatShifter?She

wasatyourbar,thenshewenttoyourfightclub.Thatwasafewweeksago.She
hasn’tcomehomesince.”

“AndthehumanpoliceagreewithyouthataShiftermusthavetakenher?”

Denicouldn’thelpasking.

Joannelookedevenangrier.“Theysaytheyhavenoevidenceofharm.They

thinksheranoffonherown.”

Dylandidn’tmoveanyclosertoJoanne,buthislookofmenacewashard.

“AndsoyoustiruptroubleforallShifters,endangeringus,ourmates,ourcubs,
withoutcomingtousandaskingaboutherfirst?”

Joannesteppedbackinfear,bumpingintoBroderick,butshespokeinaclear

voice.“Cometoyou?WhyshouldIcometoyou?”

Dylanstartedtoanswer,butBrodericktookastepsideways,puttinghimself

inapositionwherehecoulddefendJoanneagainsttheothersifneedbe.“Go
easyonher,”hesaidtoDylan.“She’safraidforhersister.Don’ttellmeyou
wouldn’tdothesamethingifyoulosttrackofsomeoneyoulovedinsideanother
Shiftertown.”

Dylan’sexpressionhardened.“No,whatIwoulddoisfindtherightculprit

andshakehimuntilhecoughedupwhatheknew.Andthendecidewhethertolet
himlive.”

“She’sbeentellingmeaboutit,”Brodericksaid,asJoannegazedatDylanin

fear.“Idon’tthinkaShiftertookhersister,butitlookslikesomethinghappened
aroundaShifterevent.YouandLiamhaveallkindsofresources.Helpher.”

LiamgaveBroderickathoughtfullook.“Maybewewill.Dad.”
DylanlookedoverBroderickandJoanne,thenheturnedaway.Withouta

word,hewalkedoutofthelivingroomandthenoutthefrontdoorwithaneven
stride.Thebangofthedoorinhiswakewasloud,andforamoment,noonesaid
anything.Dylanoftendidsuchthings—keepinghisowncouncilandwalking
awaytosolveproblemsonhisown.HewasolderthanmostShiftersin
Shiftertown,andhadexperienceandwisdomnooneelsehad.TheShiftershad
learnedtotoleratehisabruptness.

Liamclearedhisthroat.“Sinceyoulikehersomuch,Broderick,you’rein

chargeofher,”hesaid.“Idon’twanthertalkingtothepolice,orgoing
anywhereordoinganythingwithoutmeknowing.Gotit?”

“Sure,”Brodericksaid.“Lightenup,Liam.”
Liamblinkedagain.DenisawLiamdeliberatelyletBroderick’sadmonition

gobeforehegaveJoanneaslownod.“We’regoingtohelpyoufindoutwhat
happenedtoyoursister.Butyoubehave—understand?”

Joannewasbewildered—shemusthavethoughttheShifterswouldkillher,or

atleastimprisonheranddoterriblethingstoher—butshenodded.Broderick
stayedprotectivelyinfrontofher,andLiamendedthemeeting.

“Ithinkhe’ssmitten,”DenisaidtoJaceastheywalkedbacktoherhouse

acrossthestreet.“Broderick,Imean.”

TheymountedtheporchstepsofDeni’shouse,andJacepushedDeniagainst

aporchpost.“SoamI.Smittenisagoodwordforit.”

Hiskissstirredfiresthathadn’tgoneout.Deniwoundherarmsaroundhis

neckandenjoyedhimforamoment.

“ImeantwhatIsaid,”shemurmuredastheirmouthsdrewapart.“Aboutthe

Collar.I’llletSeandowhatheneedsto.Iwantitoff.”

“Idotoo.”Jacetouchedthechainonherneck.“I’llbewithyou,Den.And

whenyou’refree,we’lldosomecelebrating.”

“Whywait?”Denismiledintohisface,andJace’sseriouslookdissolvedinto

awickedgrin.

“Wildwoman,”Jacesaid.
“Always.”
Jaceledherintotheemptyhouseandtothebasement,thetwoofthem

laughingastheystumbleddownthestairs.Jacekickedthedoorclosedatthe
bottomashekissedheragain.Theywaltzedtheirwayintothebedroomthey’d
beenusing,handsstrippingoffeachother’sclotheswhiletheirmouthslocked
intolong,hotkisses.

“Iloveyou,JaceWarden,”Denisaidastheywentdownontothebed.
“Iloveyoutoo,DeniRowe.Somuch.”Jacedrewheruptohim,stokingthe

firesinsideher.“Thankyouforfindingme.”

“Youfoundme,”Denisaid.“Healedmetoo.”
“Mmm.”Jaceclosedhiseyesasheslidinsideher.Hisvoicewentlow.“You

healedme.Wehealedeachother.”Heputhishandonhers,thestreakwherethe
bracelethadburnedhimalreadyclosedtoaredscar.Theirfingerstouched,
spread.“Youandme.One.”

Jacelacedhisfingersthroughhers,andDeniclosedtheirhandstogether.

“One,”shesaid,thensheletoutacryasJacethrustintoherwithafirmerstroke.
“Always.”

“Always,”Jacesaid,andthentherewasnothingbutthesoundsof

lovemaking,andhappiness.

Sorrowfled,andDeniprovedtoherselfwhatabeautifulthingitwaslosing

controlinthearmsoftheShiftersheloved.

Epilogue

DeniandJacewerematedinthefull-sunceremonythenextday,bringingdown
theblessingsoftheFatherGodontheunion.Thefull-moonceremony,thefinal
sealingofthemates,happenedafewnightslater,afterDenihadhadherCollar
removed,atherinsistence.

Itwasseverelypainful,andhowSeangottheremaininggoldfromthe

bracelettoblendwiththeCollarandloosenit,Deniwasn’tquitesure.Sheonly
knewthattheCollarhadcomeoff,linkbyslowlink.Ithadhurt,yes,butDeni
knewherreleasehadcomewithnowhereneartheagonythathadsuffusedJace
whenthey’dtriedtotakehisCollaroffhim.She’dalsonotfelttheneedtoshift
toherbeasttogiveintoherferalinstincts,asJacehad.TheFaegoldmadethe
difference.

Jacehadbeenthere,rightnexttoher,snarlingatanervousSeaneveryminute.

WhenSeanhadliftedtheCollarfreeandDenitookalongbreath,Jacehad
pulledherhardintohisarms,hiseyeswet.

Deni,nowfittedwithafakesilverCollar,stoodwithJaceinthegrovebehind

thehousesunderthemoonlight,withEricandLiaminfrontofthem.Bothhad
decidedthey’djointlyperformthefull-moonceremony—Liambecauseitwas
hisShiftertownandhewasfondofDeni;EricbecauseJacewashisson.

Shiftersgatheredincircles,thechantingalreadybeginning.Sowasthe

drinkingandpartying.EllisonstoodnexttoDeni,proudandgrinning,Mariaon
hisarmsmilinghersweetsmile.BehindDeniwereJacksonandWill,deliriously
happyfortheirmother,butplentywillingtoteasebothherandJace.

Ionahadcome,standingnexttoEric,withEric’ssister,Cassidy,andhermate,

ahumannamedDiego,nexttoher.Marlo,recoveredfromhisbang-upbut
lamentingaboutthelossofhisbelovedplane,hadalsocome.

SohadtheyoungwomancalledJoanne,whowasbeinglookedafterby

Broderickandhisbrothers.She’drelaxedabitaroundShifters,atleastaround
Broderick’sgrufffamily.Shewasstillworriedabouthersister,butDylan

alreadyhadthingsinmotion.They’dfindher.

Asthemoonrose,itscoollightfloodingtheclearing,Liamhelduphishands

forsilence.HeandEricsteppedforward,Ericsmilinginhiswarmway.

“BythelightoftheMotherGoddess,”Liambegan.
“Iacknowledgethismating,”Ericfinished.“TheblessingsoftheGoddessgo

withyou,Son.”HeputhisarmsaroundJace.“AndDaughter.”Ericturnedand
embracedDeni,Jace’shandonDeni’sbackasshehuggedEricinreturn.

Andthentherewaslaughter,manymorehugs,withDenialmostsquashedby

theenthusiasticoneshersonsgaveher.Ronan’sgiantbearhugcompetedwith
Will’sandJackson’sforforce.Tigerevenhuggedher,thengaveheranod,as
thoughsatisfiedshe’dfinallywisedupanddonetherightthing,bringingJace
home.

Shifterswhooped,howled,screamed.Thematingceremonywasafertility

feast,andShiftertownwouldbefertiletonight.

Denihadn’tfeltthedizzinessorbeginningsofnauseathathadtriggeredher

episodesofnear-madnesssinceJacehadbeenbroughthomesafelyto
Shiftertown.She’dmadeabreakthrough,shethought,outinthewild,choosing
togiveintoherinstincts,whichhadhelpedherfindhermate.Thefactthat
she’dbeenabletopullherselfoutoftheinstinctivestateonceshe’dfoundJace,
andhadn’tgoneinsane,hadrestoredsomeofherconfidence.Thematebond
alsohelpederaseherfear,andsohadtheremovaloftheCollar.Denididn’t
knowexactlywhenshe’dbeenhealed,butsheknewtheprocesshadbegunwhen
she’dmetJacethatnightatthefightclub.

Musicpouredintothenight.Denidancedwithhersons,thenEllison,Liam,

andEric,withacircleofgirls—Andrea,Kim,Iona,Glory,Elizabeth,Myka,
Carly.Thecubsranaround,undisciplined,shoutingandscreamingintheirown
games.

Finally,DeniendedupwithJaceagain.Hetuggedherclose,hiseyesgoing

palegreenwithbarelycontainedmatingfrenzy.

“Rememberhowthisstarted?”heasked.
“Yougettingyourasskicked?”Denianswered,laughing.
“Mesavingyourass,”Jacesaid.“Andthenhavingit.”
“Don’tyouwish.”
“Ido.”Jaceleanedclose.“Iwantedyouagainandagain,Deni.Iwentthrough

alottokeepyoubymyside,didn’tI?”

Deninodded.“I’mgladyoudid.”
Jacekissedheragain,hissmilesgone.“It’sdarkoutheretonight.Noone

wouldmissus.”

Shegavehimateasingsmile.“Maybeweshouldbemorecivilizedaboutit,

nowthatwe’remated.”

“Screwthat.”Jace’sholdtightened,hishandwarmingthesmallofherback.

“Ilikebeingwildwithyou,Den.Myheart.”

“Mmm.”Denikissedhim,thenwrenchedherselfoutofhisarms.“Let’sbe

wild,then.”Shetookthegarlandfromherheadandthrewit,spinning,away
fromher.Shifterwomenshoutedlaughterandscrambledafterit.

“Catchmeifyoucan,Feline,”DenisaidtoJace,andsheswungaway,

dashingintothenight.

Sheheardagrowloffrustratedwildcat,thenanotheroneofdetermination.

Deniran,butsheknewshe’dneveroutdistancealeopardwho’ddoanythingto
bringdownhisprey.Shedidtry,though,soJacewouldhaveachallenge.

Butwhenhisstrongarmscamearoundherinthedarknessbeyondthe

bonfires,Jace’skissesfranticallyfallingonherflesh,Deniknewshe’dnever
beensohappytobecaught.

ReadonforaspecialpreviewofthenextShiftersUnboundnovelfromJennifer

Ashley

WILDWOLF

AvailableApril2014fromSensation

GrahamMcNeilslammedhismassivefistintothejawoftheattackingwolfjust
ashiscellphonerang.

Hegotthewolfintoaheadlockandtriedtoreachforthephone,butthewolf

foughtandclawed,drawingblood,itsbreathlikesouracid.Graham’sCollar
sparkedheavypainintohisthroat,whiletheCollaronthewolfhefoughtwas
dormant.

Wasthiswherethingsweregoingwiththestupid-assideathatallShifters

shouldhavetheirpain-shockingCollarsreplacedwithinertones?Shiftersatthe
bottomofthefoodchainwouldusetheirfakeCollarsasanexcusetotrytoclaw
theirwayup,likethisLupinewas.Theshitheadwasfromthefamilyofoneof
Graham’strackersandwassupposedtobeloyaltoGraham,buttodaythewolf
haddecidedtowaitinGraham’shouseuntilGrahamwalkedinalone,andjump
him.

Idiot.Grahamhadterritoryadvantage,evenifhestillworehistrueCollar,

whichblastedpainintohimwitheveryheartbeat.Timetoshowtheattacking
wolfwhowastrulyalpha.

Graham’sphonekeptringingagainsthisbelt.BecauseShifterswereonly

allowedtocarry“dumb”phones,hedidn’thaveafancyringtonetotellhimwho
wascalling.Thedamnthingjustrang.

GrahamgrabbedtheLupinebythethroatandthrewitagainstthewall.The

wolfhowled,butdiditstaydown?Notforlong.

Asthewolfpreparedanotherattack,Grahamyankedthephoneoffhisbelt

andflippeditopen.“What?”

“Graham,”camethebreathlessvoiceofhismore-or-lessgirlfriend,ahuman

calledMisty.

Everythingslowed.Grahamsawinhismindthecurvyyoungwomanwith

lightbrownhairsheworeinponytail,hersoftface,andhersweetbrowneyes.
Everythoughtofherwaslikeabreathofair,snakingintohismessed-upbrain
andtryingtosoothehim.Grahamwishedhewaswithhernow,teasingher,
kissingher,insteadoftryingtobeataninsubordinatewolfintosubmission.

“I’malittlebusyrightnow,sweetheart,”Grahamsaidloudlyasthewolf

landedonhim.Awoodenchairsmashedunderthemastheybothslammedtothe
floor—damn,helikedthatchair.“YoubreakmyTV,you’redead,”Graham
snarled.

“What?”
“Notyou,sweetie.I’llhavetocallyouback.”
“Youcan’t.Graham,listen,Ineedyou.They’re...Oh,crap.”
“What?”Grahambellowed.“Slowdown.Whatareyousaying?”
“Ihavetogo.Idon’tknowwhenIcancallyouagain.”
Graham’sshiftwascoming.Inafewseconds,hewouldn’tbeabletoholdthe

phone,letalonetalk.“Wait!”heyelledather.

“Ican’t.I’vegottogo.Graham,Ilo—”
Thephoneclicked,andGrahamwasshoutingatadeadline.“What?Wait!

Misty!Fuck.”

Hethrewthephoneacrosstheroomandliftedtheattackingwolfbythescruff

oftheneck.“Wouldyoustop,youasshole?”

Thewolfsnarled,teethsnappingatGraham’sthroat.ThewolfinGraham

responded.Hefelthisbodychange,musclesbecomingharderandleaner,face
elongatingtoaccommodateteeth,clawsjuttingfromfingersthatquicklybecame
paws.

Withanear-splittingsnarl,Grahamwentfortheotherwolf’sthroat,snapping

teetharoundfur.

Atthelastminute,thealphainhimtoldhimnottokill.Grahamwasthis

wolf’sprotector,notitsenemy.Thewolfneededtobetaughtitsplace,not
destroyed.

NotthatGrahamwouldn’troughitupabit.Butquickly.Heneededtofindout

whatwaswrongwithMisty.Thefearinhervoicehadbeenclear,thedesperation
palpable.They’re...What?Here?Coming?Killingme?

Graham’sCollarkeptsnappingarcsintohisneck.Heheldontothethroatof

thefightingwolf,notlettingtheCollarstophim.

Dominancedidn’thaveanythingtodowithCollars,orpain,orfighting.

Dominancewasaboutputtingfull-of-themselves,arrogantLupineShiftersin
theirplace.Grahamgotthewolfonthefloorandsteppedonit,andthenshifted
tohumanagain,breathinghard,hisclothesintatters.

“Staydown.”Thewordswerehard,final.
Thewolfsnarledagain,thenbecamehuman—lanky,dark-haired,gray-eyed—

typicalLupine.Exceptthisonewasfemale.

Shelookedupathim,rageinhereyes.“Thisisn’tover,McNeil.”
“Famouslastwords.Yourdadsentyou,didn’the?ThoughtmaybeI’dmate-

claimyouifyoucouldn’tbestme,right?”

ThewayshelookedquicklyawaytoldGrahamhe’dhituponthetruth.She

wasnaked,andnotbad,butGrahamhadn’tbeenabletothinkaboutanyother
femalesincehe’dmetMisty.

Hehadn’tmate-claimedMisty,orevenhadsexwithher.Grahamhadnever

hadsexwithahumanbefore,andhefearedhe’dnotbeabletogentlehimself
enoughforMisty.Thelastthinghewantedtodowashurther.

Also,hispositionasleaderoftheLupinesinthisShiftertownwasprecarious.

HiswolvesexpectedhimtomatewithaLupine,toprovideacubwhowouldbe
theirnextleader.Ifhewentintomatingfrenzywithahuman,themoreold-
fashionedofhiswolvesmighttrytosolvetheproblembykillingMisty.

ButMisty’sphonecallhadhisgutchurning.Grahamclimbedtohisfeet.“I’ve

gottogo,”hesaidtothewoman.“IwantyououtofherebythetimeIgetback.
Nomoreambushes.Ifyouwantamate,gochasesomebears.They’realways
horny.”

Grahamturnedaroundandwalkedaway.Thebestwaytoshowsubmissives

theyweresubmissivewastoindicateyoudidn’tfearthemjumpingyouthe
minuteyourbackwasturned.Makingthemknowthatiftheydidjumpyou,
you’dstopthem.Again.

Hishearthammeredwithworry,thewolfforgotten,ashedetouredtohis

bedroomtograbclothestoreplacetheoneshe’dshreddedwithhisshift.

Grahamleftthroughthebackdoor,mountedhismotorcycle,startedit,and

rodenoisilyawayfromhishouseandShiftertown.

***

“I’maskingyouonemoretime,whereishe?”

“Isaid,Idon’tknow.”
ThegangleaderwhoheldMistyagainstthewallbythethroatdidn’tbelieve

her.He’dcaughtherrunningoutofthebackoftheshop,andhe’dtakenhercell
phone,thrownittotheground,andsmasheditwithhisbootheel.She’dnever
seenthemanbefore,butsheguessedwhohewas—aguycalledSamFlores
who’dbeeninprisonwithherbrother—andwhyhe’dcome.

“Youdoknow.”Flores’sbreathwasfoulwithcigarettesandbeer.“Thathim

youhadonyourphone?”

“No—”Mistybrokeoffwithagruntasherheadsmackedintothewall.“I

don’tknowwherePaulis.Hetookoff.”

“Lyingbitch.”Floreshadblueeyesinasun-darkenedface,anddarkhair

streakedbystrongdesertsunlight.“I’mgoingtobeatyouuntilyoutellme
wherethatassholeis.Thenmyboysandmewillmakeyouunderstandwhyyou
don’tmesswithus.”

Mistywassocoldwithfear,shecouldn’tfeelanythinganymore.She

struggled,thoughsheknewshe’dnevergetaway.Paulhadbeenoutmaking
deliveries,andMistyreallydidn’tknowwherehewas.She’dcalledhimbefore
she’dcalledGraham,butshe’dhadtoleaveavoicemail,tellingPaultolielow.
Paulhadhidingplaces,butMistydidn’tknowwhereallofthemwere.

Floresheldherinplace,theprisontattsonhisfingersupcloseandpersonal.

Behindhim,hisfriendsweresmashingupherflowershop.Baseballbats
smackedintotheclearglassrefrigeratordoorsthatheldherstock;potsfilled
witharrangementswerethrownagainstthecounter.Glasssplinteredandflew,
theflowers,innocent,scatteredeverywhere.Brokenstemsandariverofpetals
litteredthefloor.

Thegangboysgotintotherefrigeratorsandsmashedthevasestheretothe

floor.Watergushedacrossthecementandtilealongwithalltheflowers.Cool,
dankair,scentedwithroses,carnations,calendulas,daisies,andbaby’sbreath
waftedacrosstheshop.

“Youknowyouaren’twalkingoutofhere,”Floressaid.“Youmightaswell

tellmewhereheis.”

Mistydidn’tbothertoanswer.Ifshewoulddiehere,thelastthingshe’ddo

wouldbetokeepherlittlebrother,Paul,safe.She’dtakencareofhimallher
life,andshewasn’tabouttostopnow.

“Idon’tthinkyouunderstand,”Floressaid.“Itwon’tbeeasy.You’llbeinso

muchpainbythetimewe’redonewithyou,you’llbebeggingtodie.”

Fine,thenMistywouldbegtodie.Atleastshe’dbeenabletohearGraham’s

gruff,take-no-shitShiftervoiceonelasttime.Shethoughtabouthisstrength,the
tattsoffireonhisarms,hishardface,andbuzzeddarkhair.Everyonethought
Grahamtootough,toomean,andtoowildtotame,butMistyhadseenwhatwas
inhiseyeswhenhewasaroundthetwoorphanedwolfcubsinhispack.

She’dstartedtotellGrahamthesecretinsideherheartwhenthemanwiththe

callusedfingershadsnatchedawayherphone.

Theyweregoingtodowhatevertheywantedwithher,andMistywoulddie.

Shewasscared,butatleastPaulhadgottenaway,andGraham’svoicehadgiven
herstrengthtofacewhatshehadto.

Notthatshe’dgiveupwithoutafight.Godownswinging,herdadhadlikedto

say.Heshouldknow;he’dhadtofightforeverythinghisentirelife.

Themeninherstore—fiveofthem—werearmed,carryingpiecesstuffedinto

backholsters,knivesinbootsandonbelts.Mistyhadnothingbutherfistsand
herflowers.

“Cops’recoming,”oneofthemenbythedoorsaid.
Mistyheardsirens.ProbablyPedroattheconveniencestoreacrossthelothad

seenthebreak-inandcalledthepolice.ButMistyknewbetterthantorelaxand
bethankfulthepolicewereontheirway.Therewouldbeastandoff,probablya
gunbattle,andsomeonewouldbeshot.MostlikelyMisty.

Shestruggledtogetaway.Florespunchedhertwiceintheface.Misty’shead

snappedback,andbloodflowedfromhermouth.

Floresclampedhishandoverherthroat,cuttingoffherbreath.Hesqueezed,

notenoughtochokeher,butblockingoffenoughairtomakeMistydizzyand
sick.

Hedraggedherwithhimoutthebackdoortothealley,theotherfour

following.Twooftheguyshadmotorcycles;theothertwoandthemanwho
heldMistywentforapickup—aFord250,allshinyandnew.Bigenoughto
shoveMistydownintoitsbackseat,tossingacigarette-smoke-infestedtarpon
topofher.

Thetruckrumbledunderherasitstarted.Thenthepickupjerked,tires

squealing,asitheadeddownthealleythatranbehindthestripmall.Another
turnontothestreet,andtheywereoff,carryingMistywho-knew-where.

***

Misty’spickupwasn’tinhercarport.GrahamkilledtheengineonhisHarley,
steppedawayfromtheengine’ssmell,andinhaled.

Everyhacklehehadwentup,thewolfinhimstartingtosnarl.Mistywas

gone—Grahamcouldscenthowshe’dleftthehousethroughthebackdoornot
longago,gotintohertruck,anddroveaway.Allasnormal.She’dhavegoneto
herstore,asearlyasitwas,todowhateveritwasshedidbeforeopeningforthe
day.

Whyhadn’tthewomantoldhimwhereshewascallingfrom?Graham’scell

phonehadindicatedwhatnumberhadcalledhim,butMistyhadbeenonher
cell,whichmeantshecouldbeanywhere.

Grahamscentednostrugglehere,nofearorworry.JustMisty’sfreshscent,

overlaidwiththeflowerssheworkedwithallthetime.Grahamcouldn’tcatcha
whiffofrosesthesedaysorthestrongodorofwhatshesaidwereAsiaticlilies
withoutthinkingofMisty.

No,thinkingofherwasn’ttherightwaytoputit.Thescentsconjuredupher

sultryvoice,heruninhibitedlaughter,hersoftface,andbrowneyesthatwent
shinywhenshelookedathimsometimes.

Theimages,sounds,andscentsofherwokeupGraham’sneedstoo.Hehadn’t

touchedthewoman,buthedreamedalmosteverynightaboutrunninghishand
upthelooseskirtsshelikedtowear,freeingherhairfromtheponytail,licking
betweenherbreasts...

Mistyhadsoundedterrified.Someonehadbeencomingforher,andshewas

scaredoutofhermind.

Grahamswungbackontohisbike,startedit,androareddownthestreetagain.

Hesawthepeoplewho’dcomeoutofhousestowatchhim,wonderingwhatthe
hellaShifterwasdoingintheirnicecornerofthecity,butGrahamdidn’tcare
rightnowwhattheythought.

Heturnedoutoftheneighborhoodandjoinedtrafficonthe215beforehe

racedoffonFlamingo,headingtotheflowershopinthismiddle-classsideof
town.Shiftersdidn’tcomeheremuch,confiningthemselvestothenorthsideof
LasVegasandthedesertnotfarbeyond.ThebighotelsontheStripand
downtowndidn’twantShiftersscaringawaytourists,soShiftersmostlystayed
away,eventhoughsomeShifterwomendancedatnightclubsasthe
entertainment.PissedGrahamoff,howEricWarden,theShiftertownleader,was
allrightwithShifterfemalesdoingexoticdancingforhumans.Oneofthemany
reasonsEricwasadickhead.

Misty’sflowershop—FlamingoFlowers—wasinastripmallwithothersmall

retailers,whichshouldhavebeenquietthisearlyonaSaturdaymorning.
Grahamknewsomethingwasseriouslywrong,evenbeforehesawthesmashed
glassinMisty’sdoorwayandthecopcarsalloverthelot.

Acoupleofcopssawhim,andGrahamhesitated.Heshouldgetthehelloutof

thereandhavenothingtodowiththecitypolice,butifheleft,he’dnotbeable
tohelpMisty.Shemightbeinthere,andifshewasn’t,heneededtogetinside
andsniffaroundtofigureoutwhereshe’dgone.

Hedecidedtoapproachasthoughhehadeveryrighttobethere.Shifters

weren’tbannedfromeverystoreintown,justmostofthem.Butnotthisone.
MistyhadsenseenoughtoknowthatShiftersweregoodcustomers.

Grahampulledhismotorcyclenexttooneofthecopcarsanddismounted.

Nextthingheknew,hewassurroundedbyfivecops,who’dallpulledtheir
weaponsonhim.OnecopbackedthoseupwithaTaser.

Graham’swolffoughttogetout,wantingtogointoafrenzythatwouldland

thecopsontheground,theirweaponsbroken.Heclenchedhisfists,fightingthe
aggressionhealwayshadahellofatimetaming.Whenhe’dlivedinmiddle-of-

nowhereNevada,inaShiftertownwherehiswordhadbeenlaw,Grahamhad
neverbothereddampingdownhiswolfinstincts.Nowhewasexpectedtolivein
acityofhumanswhotreatedhimlikehewassomebigscaryanimalthathad
escapedfromthezoo.

Hewantedtograbthegunsfromthecopsandbreakthem,justtoscarethem,

butGrahamdialeditback.HeneededtofindMisty.

Heliftedhishandstoshowtheywereempty.“Hey,thisismyfriend’sstore.I

needtomakesureshe’sallright.”

“Ahumanownsthisstore,”thecopclosesttoGrahamsaid.
“Well,noshit.Hername’sMisty—MelissaGranger.Shecalledme,scared.

Sheinthere?Issheallright?”

MaybewatchingEricdealwithhumansforthelasteightmonthshadtaught

Grahamsomething.Thecopsstilleyedhimwarilybutbelievedhisworriedtone.

“Noone’sinside,”theleadcopsaid.Hehadblackhairbuzzedshort,aflat

facewithacnescars,andabignose.HeheldhisBerettasteadily,stillpointingit
atGraham.“Placeistornup.”

“Buthertruck’shere.”Grahampointedattheblackpickupsittingquietlyina

spacealittlewayfromthecops.“Shewashere.Whereisshenow?”Hisfears
mountedashespoke.Hecouldn’tstopthegrowlinhisthroat,couldn’tstopthe
sparksonhisCollar.

“Thisisacrimescene,”theleadcopsaid.“Youdon’tneedtobehere,

Shifter.”

“No?Thisstorebelongstomyfriend.Myfriendmightbeintrouble.Idon’t

seeyoudoinganythingaboutit.”

Thepistoldidn’twaver.“Whydon’tyougobacktoShiftertownsowecando

ourjobs?”

“Whydon’tIgoonintheresoIcanlookaround?Maybefigureoutwhereshe

is?”

“Turano,callShifterDivision,”theleadcopsaid.“Weneedtocontainone.”
GrahamstaredathimandthenmovedhisgazetotheonecalledTurano,who

wasreachingforhisradio.

“Aw,screwthisshit.”
Thecopstensed,expectinghimtochargethroughthem,butGrahamturned

hisbackandwalkedaway,makingforhismotorcycle.Hemadeashowof
startinghisbike,givingthecopsacollectivedirtylook,beforehepulledoutof
theparkinglot.

Grahamrodedownthestreetandaroundthecorner,thentookthedelivery

entranceintothealleybehindtheshops.Therewasonecopcarbackthere,and
onecop.Grahamroaredup,dismountedhisbike,andheadedforthebackdoor.

“Hey!”
WhenGrahamdidn’tstop,thecopdrew.Grahamwhirledaroundandhadthe

pistoloutoftheman’shandandbrokenintotwopiecesbeforethemancould
react.

Whenthecopopenedhismouthtoyell,Grahampunchedhim,onceinthe

face,thenonceinthetemple.Thecopfoldedup,andGrahamloweredhim
gentlytorestagainstthewall.

“Sweetdreams.”Grahamsteppedaroundthecopandthroughthedoor,which

ledtothebackofficeandstorage.

Thethicksteeldoorhadn’tbeenforced,whichmeantithadbeenopenedfrom

theinside.Probablybywhoeverhadbrokenintakingthebackwayout.Aglance
intotheshoprevealedamess:flowers,glass,andwaterallovertheplace.A
dripperthatranconstantlyinsidetherefrigeratedsectionhadbrokenopen,
turningtherefrigeratorintoalake.Thewaterwasn’tgushinganymore,which
meantsomeonehadbeensmartenoughtoturnitoff.

Grahamstayedoutofsightofthecopspickingtheirwaythroughthesceneat

thefrontdoor.Hedidn’thavetogoallthewayintotheshopthough.Hesmelled
Misty’sblood,alongwiththescentsoffour—no,five—humans.Humanswho
smokedheavily,hadn’tbathedinacoupleofdays,andonewho’dbeen
partakingofweed.

Grahamgotallthatfromafewlongsniffs.Healsoscentedthatthey’dtaken

Mistyoutbackandloadedherintoavehicle.Hegrowled,hisbloodheatingwith
rage,andwentbackoutside.

Thedaywasalreadywarm,AugustinsouthernNevada.Heatmadescents

brighter.Grahamsmelledmotorcyclesandacarortruck,andthesehadtaken
Mistyaway.Toobadscentcouldn’ttellhimthemakeandmodelsofthevehicles
andwherethey’dbeenheading.Grahamonlyknewthey’dtakenMisty.

Hesteppedovertheunconsciouscop,starteduphisbike,androdeout.Amile

downtheroad,hepulledintoanotheremptyparkinglot,tookouthiscellphone,
andmadeacall.

“Hey,”hesaidtotheShifterwhoanswered.“I’mgonnaneedsomebackup.”

NewYorkTimesbestsellingandaward-winningauthorJenniferAshleyhas
writtenmorethanfiftypublishednovelsandnovellasinromance,urbanfantasy,
andmysteryunderthenamesJenniferAshley,AllysonJames,andAshley
Gardner.HerbookshavebeennominatedforandwonRomanceWritersof
America’sRITA(givenforthebestromancenovelsandnovellasoftheyear),
severalRTBookReviewsReviewers’Choiceawards(includingBestUrban
Fantasy,BestHistoricalMystery,andCareerAchievementinHistorical
Romance),andthePrismawardforbestparanormalromance.Jennifer’sbooks
havebeentranslatedintomorethanadozendifferentlanguagesandhaveearned
starredreviewsinBooklist.

MoreabouttheShiftersUnboundseriescanbefoundat

http://www.jennifersromances.com

Ore-mailJenniferatjenniferashley@cox.net

Document Outline

Also by Jennifer Ashley
Title Page
Copyright
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Epilogue
Special Excerpt from WILD WOLF
About the Author

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