Mated

OldeTownPack

KatieSalidas

Mated:OldeTownPack
Copyright©2016byKatieSalidas
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TheOldeTownPack

Charactersinthisbookseriesalsobelongtothe

ImmortalisSeries

and

LittleWerewolfseries

byKatie

Salidas.

Moonlight

Goodgirlsdon’twearfur,orfightovermen,andtheycertainlydon’trunaroundnaked,howlingatthe

moon.Butthen,no-oneevercalledFallonagoodgirl.AsahumanunofficiallymatedtoanAlpha
werewolf,Fallonisbeingpressuredto“become”...orbegone.HermateAiden,theinterimleaderofthe
OldeTownPack,isinapositionthatdemandsheeitherchooseawolfmate...orleavethepackforever.
NomatterhowhotthesexwithFallonis,hecan’tignorecenturiesoftradition.Becomeawolfornot.If
onlythechoicewerethatsimple.Fallon’soptionsarefurthercloudedbytheovertpresenceofother
femalesdesperatetobetheAlpha’smate.Andwhenthesebitchesgetserious,it’snotjustclawsthat
comeout.IfFallonwantstokeephermanandtakethetitleshe’llhavetoexertalittledominanceofher
own.

Mated

AprevieweditionofMatedwasmadeavailableinthe

WickedWinterBoxedset

andaspecialPrequel

ofRachel’srunwasincludedinthe

MagicandMistletoeBoxedset

.Bothsetscanbefoundviamy

website

BradyWhelan,SecondSonoftheOldeTownpack,isaconfirmedbachelorandself-proclaimedsex

god.Helovesallwomen.Onenightatatime.

Whichhasearnedhimafewnamesfromtheladiesinhispack:One-night-wonder,Serialwomanizer.

Manwhore.

Tohim,eachoneisabadgeofhonor.
Thereareonlytwonameshe’llneverletthemcallhim;“boyfriend”,andtheevenmoresoul-crushing

“mate”.He’dneverlethimselfbetiedhimdownlikethat.

Butwhenhefindsabeautifulblondeshe-wolfbeatenandleftfordeadonhispack’sland,deeply-

rootedinstinctstoprotectareawakened.Despitenotknowingwhereshecamefrom,Bradyvowsto
destroythebastardswhohurther.Evenifitmeansignitingawarbetweentworivalpacks.

Soldbyherfatherintoslaveryasabroodmate,torturedandabused,RachelMarsdenhadbarely

escapedherviciousAlphawhenshewasambushedandbrutalizedinthewinterywoodsof
Massachusetts.Menweretheenemy,andshe’dswornnevertotrustanotheroneaslongasshelived.

Butfindingherselfisolated,surroundedbyapackshe’snevermet,herchoicesarelimited.Escape

intothewildernesswhereshe’llbedefenselessagain...ortrustthesexyAlphawolfshecan’tstop
thinkingabout.

Acknowledgements

Thisbookwasaproductoftoughlove,andIwanttothanktheteamofadvancedbetareaderswhoreally
putmethroughmypaces.You’rehonestyandcriticaleyehavereallyhelpedtoshapethisstoryinto
somethingspecial.

JasonLaVelle,AlexiaPurdy,WillsinRowe,FawnPhillips,&BrittanyRichardson.

Youguysrocksohard!Thisoneisforyouguys!

MATED

ONE

AninsistentknockonthedoorofBrady’sroomcamelikeananswertohisprayer.

Pinnedagainstthemattressundertheweightofhisrecentconquest,hisarmhadbeguntotinglewith

thelossofbloodflow,andhisfingerswereasleep.Hefoughtwithexactlyhowhe’ddislodgehimself
withoutcausingascene.

Anotherloudbangbangbangagainstthedoorrousedthewomanfromherslumber,andinthosefirst

fewmomentsofhazyconsciousness,sherolledoverandreleasedBrady’sarm.

Goodbyessucked.Lifewaseasierwhenhisone-nightersshimmiedoutoftheroombeforesunriseor

duckedoutwhileheshowered.

Theonesthatwantedtocuddleandtalkabouthowmuchfuntheyhad–theclingytypes–forcedhim

tobeajerktogetthemtotakeahike.

Confirmedbachelor.
Serialwomanizer.
Sexgod.
Heworethosetitleslikeabadgeofhonor.
Boyfriendor–awordthatshouldneverbespoken–mate...
No.Way.In.Hell.
He’dneverletawomantiehimdown...likethat.
Theknocker–Fallon,tojudgebythesmellhecaughtfromtheothersideofthedoor–wasexactlythe

kindofdistractionheneededtogetShirley,no,Cynthia–thathadtobehername–outofhisbedandon
hermerrywaysoonerratherthanlater.

“Comein,”Bradyshouted,earningashriekofembarrassmentfromCynthiaasshescrambledfor

clothes.

Nakednesswasn’tanewthingforhimorhiskind,butCynthialookedasifshe’dbeencaughtwithher

handinthecookiejar.Thepoorgirlmovedsofastshenearlyshreddedhershirtasshepulleditoverher
head.

Hecouldn’thelpbutlaughashestretchedonthebedandwatchedtheshow.
Fallonopenedthedoor.Morepixiethanwolf,hissister-in-lawhadalmostnoshiftertraitstohertiny

humanform,butthatdidn’tsuppressherabilitytolookintimidating.Shecrossedherarms,staringwith
fulljudgmentatBradywhilethefranticgirltriedtoshimmypast,stillclutchingherunderwearinher
hands.

“IsityourintentiontoscreweverygirlinNewEngland?”Fallonmocked.
Bradysatupproudly.“Challengeaccepted.”Hewinked,knowingitwouldearnhimasmack.Ofall

thegirlsintheOldeTownpack,Fallonhadbeenimmunetohischarms,sohehadtocontenthimselfwith
pokingthebeareverychancehehad.

“You’resuchanass.”Fallonrolledhereyes.“ThankgoodnessforAiden.AtleastoneWhelanboy

hasaheadonhisshoulders.”

“Whereasmineis...”Bradypointedlowerandgaveheranotherplayfullook.
“Pig.”Fallonslappedhimacrosstheleg.
“Hardly.Pigsareprey.I’mthebigbadwolf,baby!”Themomentthosewordslefthislipsheflinched,

knowinghe’dgonetoofar.

Fallon’shandliftedagaintostrike.“Aidenmightarguewiththat.”Shedidn’tlandthehit,lettingher

wordsmakebluntimpact.

Jealousywasn’tinhisnature,butthereweretimeshefeltcuriosityaboutthegirlwho’dstolenhis

wingman’sheart.Aidenhadbeenhispartnerincrimebeforeshe’dcomealong.Hercharmshadensnared
himsocompletelythatfromthemomentthey’dmet,Aidencouldlookatnoother.“Yep.AndIconcedeto
hispositionasAlpha.Oryou’dbenextonmyhitlist.”

“Youcouldn’thandlethis,”Fallonsmirked,whilehighlightingherfeatureswithawaveofherhand

andashimmyofherhips.Shemighthavebeensmallinstature,butshemorethanmadeupforthatin
curveappeal.

Nodoubtaboutit,thatwomanhadcharms.Butdespitethelustshecouldstir,honorforbadeaction.

“Right.I’veseenwhatyoudidtomybrother.Terrible.Justterrible.”Bradysnickered,rememberinghow
evenbeforeshe’dbeenturnedwolf,she’dhadAidenbytheballs.“I’llneverletawomangetherclaws
intomelikethat.”

“Neversaynever,”Fallonlaughed,asshescoopeduphisshirtfromthefloorandtosseditathisface.

“Butfornow,I’vebeensenttohaulyouuptotheoffice.AidenwantstotalkabouttheYulecelebrations.”

“Iknow.I’vebeendreadingit.”Bradypulledhisshirtonandstoodlookingforhisboxers.Hegavea

quickglanceovertothemirrorandranhishandsthroughhisshaggymopofhair,makingamentalnoteto
getatrimsoon.“Shelly...er...Cynthiawashelpingmegetpumpedforthemeeting.”

Fallonturnedaway,butnotbeforehecaughtherdisgustedsneer.“Animal.”
“Allpredator,baby.”Theworstpartofbeingasecondsonwashavingtoattendthecouncils.

Strength.Virility.Power.Thosewerehisgifts.Butintimesofpeace,hewaslittlemorethanastatue
sittingthroughhisbrother’sendlessmeetings.WhoknewbeinganAlphameantsomuchpaperwork?
Whentheyweregrowingup,theirfatherhadpushedtheminallthingsphysical,instillinginbothbrothers
theimpressionthatanAlphawasonlyasgoodashewasstrong.

Oncehisbrotherascendedtotheposition,itwasthestrengthofwordsthatheldmostofthepower.

Thankfully,assecondson,Bradycouldputhisskillstouseasanenforcer.

Thisevening,however,promisedtobeespeciallyboringandcompletelydevoidofanyaction:party

planning.

“Whatever.FinishputtingyourdamnclothesonandgettoAiden’soffice,now!Smallcouncilis

alreadywaiting,”Fallonsaid,asshelefttheroom.

Shemightnotbehis,butthatdidn’tstophimfromadmiringthewiggleofherassasshestepped

confidentlyawayfromhim.

Womenweretheonlyexcitementinhisexistence.Alluringintheirmovements,mysteriousintheir

nature,andwildunderneathhimashedevouredtheminbed.

“Challengeaccepted,”hemurmuredtohimself,rememberingheroffhandcommentthatheshould

attempttobedtheentireeasterncoast.

Whynot?
Itwouldbeahellofalotmoreamusingthanattendingmeetingsaboutplacesettingsandwhoseass

shouldbekissed.

TWO

StrollingintothemeetingalmostthirtyminuteslateearnedBradylooksofannoyancefromthelower
membersofAiden’ssmallcouncil.Bradyshotbackatoothyglaretoeachofthemandenjoyedthe
immediateresponseoftheirheadsloweringinsubmission.

Thereweresomebenefitstobeingthesecondson.Butevenwithouthisstatustobackhimup,Brady

wasaknownfighter.HisplaceasrighthandtotheAlpha–enforcer–mighthavebeengrantedbylineof
succession,buthe’dearnedhisreputationthroughstrengthandtheabilitytotakedownlesserwolves.

“Finallydecidedtojoinus,brother?”Aiden’sreproachfulstarecouldnotbedeflectedsoeasily.
BradyloweredhisheadrespectfullytohisAlphaashetookhisseat.“Yes.HopeIhaven’tmissed

anythingimportant.”

Theofficewassmall,andcrammedaroundAiden’sdeskweresixwolves,whoeachservedadistinct

purposeinthepack.FallonsatinherplaceofhonortoonesideofAidenasmateandrepresentative
AlphaforallfemalesintheOldeTownpack.BradytooktheotherseatalongsideAiden,apositionof
greatpowerasSecondSon.OntheothersideofAiden’sdesksatEmma,ano-nonsenseblondewithteeth
assharpasherhighheels,whoservedasheadofallhealthandsafetyissues;Jackson,aburlyflannel-
wearingnatureloverandambassadortothelocalpacks;andStephen,thesuit-and-tie-wearingexecutive
whoservedaschiefpaperworknazi.Partnersintherunningofthebusinessendofthings,Jacksonand
StephenmanagedtheirwildlifepreserveduringthetimeswhenAidenandBradyreturnedtotheirhomes
inBostonpropertokeepaneyeonthelocalsupernaturalpopulation.

“We’regoingtohaveafeastandahunt.”Aidenspokeasifitwerethefirsttimehe’dutteredthe

wordsinthemeeting.“Ourterritoryhasbecomedistantoflate,andweneedtobreedalittlemore
camaraderie.”

ExcitementlitEmma’smilkchocolate-coloredeyes.SeatedacrossfromBrady,theblondeshe-wolf

practicallysatupandbeggedaftersheheardAiden’sdeclaration.

Girlsloveparties,Bradymused.
Fallontoohadaglintofhappiness,butnexttoherStephendidnotappearaspleasedwithwhatAiden

hadjustsuggested.Gatheringsmeantmorepaperwork,nodoubt.

Asidefromthat,get-togethersbredtrouble,especiallywherewolveswereconcerned.Notevena

momentaftertheAlphautteredthewords,Bradyhadavisionofinfightingandbloodymessestocleanup
–nottomentionorganizingsecuritydetails.

“Doyouthinkit’swisetogatherthepacksatthistime?”Bradyasked.
“Whynot?It’stheholidayseason.Atimeforcelebratingwithfamily,”Aidenrespondedwith

annoyance.

Goodintentionsaside,Aidenwasn’tconsideringthenegatives.“TheActaSanctorumarestill

watching,”Bradycautioned,keepinghistonetohisAlpharespectfulwhileinpublic.Hecouldbeblunt
whenspeakingtohisbrotherinprivate,buthereincouncil,carefullychosenwordshadtobedelivered
withtact.“Youdon’tthinkthey’dpaycloserattentionduringtimeswhenpeopleareknowntocelebrate
together?”

“Youthinkthey’ddareattackusnow?We’veheardnothingfromtheminmonths,”Aidencountered

arrogantly.

“Alyssahasnotreturned.”Fallon’sexpressionsouredslightly,asifrealizingshe’dmissedabigger

pieceofthepuzzletoo.“Andherclanhavenotsentwordinmonths,either.”

“Thingsarefartooquietformyliking,”Bradyagreed,matchingFallon’sworriedtone.“Iunderstand

theneedforthepackstounite,butwemustconsiderthepossibilityofourenemieslyinginwaitforsuch
opportunities.”

Aidenstrokedhischinthoughtfully.“WherewerethePeregrinusclanlastspotted?”Curiosityhad

replacedthearroganttoneinhisvoiceashelookedtohisadvisorsforananswer.

“Rome,lastIheard,”Bradyanswered.“ItoldNicholasitwasabadidea.Lysandertoo,butnoneof

themlistened.”

Fallon’sgazefelltothetable.Shesighedloudly.“They’llbeokay.Theyhavetobe.”
“Don’tdespair.Santinoiswiththem.Silenceishowheoperates.”Aidenpulledhismatecloseto

him.“AndwhenhasyourfriendAlyssaevernotcomeoutontopofthings?”

Ifvampiresweregoodatanything,itwaskeepingofftheradar.Forthemostpart.Alyssahadabad

habitofstirringthepot,butBradycouldcountontheseniormembersofthePeregrinustocarrythemall
outofdangerunscathed.Still,thesilenceonbothsidesofthefencemadethethoughtofaverylargevery
publicgatheringofwolvesabadidea.

“Untilweknowthevampireshavesucceededintheirmission,weneedtobecautious.”Brady’stone

darkenedwithunease,butitwasnotforAlyssaandthevampires.Jealousystruckhimhard.No,not
jealousy.Couldn’tbe.Hehadnoreasontobejealousofhisbrother.Still,thelovehesawdisplayed
betweenAidenandFallonstruckachordwithhim,unfamiliaranduncomfortableallthesame.“The
Saintstooworkinsilence,andifwecreateeventheslightestspectacle,theywillcomeandattack.”

“Wecannotdenythepotentialfordanger,butwolvesdonotcowerintheshadows.”Aidennodded

thoughtfully.“We’llaskourfriendsinthelocalwitchcovenforcloakingspells.Ourpeopledeservesome
excitementthisholidayseason.”

AidenwasAlpha,andhiswordwaslaw.Bradydidnotagreewithit,buthewouldhonorhis

brother’sdecisionforthecelebrationtocontinue,evenifitmeantbringingdownthewholeoftheActa
Sanctorumuponhispack.AfightwouldatleastbringsomeexcitementtoBrady’sexistence.“Iwillof
coursedoasmyAlphacommands.”Heloweredhisheadrespectfully.

Theotherwolvesseatedaroundthesmallofficetablemurmuredinagreementaswell.Emmalocked

eyeswithBrady,andhecaughtthesatisfactionthere.Shesmiledarrogantly,havingwitnessedAidenpull
rank.

UsedtotakinghislumpsfromEmma,Bradywinkedbackatherplayfully.Oneofthemanywolvesin

thepackhe’dhadatrystwith,itwasclearshestillcarriedatorchforhim,andthoughhe’dmadeitclear
hewasn’ttherelationshiptype,hisdesiretoremainsinglehadfallenondeafears.

He’dgladlyhaveheragain,butonhisownterms.Nostringsattached...well,mayberope.He’dbe

opentolettinghertiehimupandhaveherwaywithhim.Butnowoman—nomatterhowimportantinthe
pack—wouldtiehimdown.

Honestashe’dbeenabouthisintentions,neitherEmmanoranywomanhe’ddatedeverseemedto

understandthedistinction.Andsomehowthattranslatedintohimrejectingthem.Retributionfollowed,of
course.Hewasajerk,orwhateverchoicenametheydecidedtocallhim.Emma,beingonthecouncil,
thoroughlyenjoyedanytimeBradywasputinhisplacebytheAlpha.

“Good,”Aidensaid,withaslapofhishandonthetable.“Wehavepreciouslittletimetosetthisup,

solet’sgettoit.”

Alpha’sgottoAlpha,Bradysaidtohimself,admiringtheconfidencehisbrotherexuded,evenifhe

waswrong.Aidenworehispowerwell,andallinattendanceknewit.

“Sendwordouttoallourpacks,”Aidensaid.“Thewintermooniscoming.”

THREE

Weekspassedinablurasthewholepackwentintoafrenzywithpreparationsfortheevent.Thenature
preservewastransformedintoawinterwonderland.Lightsdecoratedeverytreesurroundingthe
compound,andeachcabinhaditsveryownChristmastree.Holidaywreathswerehunginthewindows,
garlandsandlightslinedeverywallinthemainlobby,andeachshelf,counter,anddeskhadpotof
poinsettias.StephenhadevenwrappedgiftstogounderalloftheChristmastreeshe’dplacedaroundthe
buildings.

Nosurfacehadbeensparedtheholidayvomit;Bradyevenfoundthemantleinhisbedroomfireplace

outlinedinfauxgarlandandwhitelights.Itwasalmosttoomuchforhimtohandle,butwhentheday
arrived,andthepackassembledforthefirsthunt,BradyfinallyfeltasparkofChristmascheer.

HundredsofwolvesfromacrosstheNewEnglandareashadallcometogether:alphas,betas,anda

fewelusiveomegawolves.Theircompoundonthenaturepreservehadneverhostedsomanyatonce.
Cabinsmeantforoneortwooccupantshadbeenassignedtopacks,crammingasmanyaseightintoone
smallbuilding.Themainhallandalltheofficespaceshadbeenfilledaswell.Stephenhaddonewellto
accommodatesomany,andhadevensetuplargepartytentsoutsidetoactasadditionalcafeteriaand
meetingspaces.

Agreatbigbonfirehadbeenlit,withthepromisethatthefire,representingthepeaceintheirterritory,

wouldnotdieoutuntilthecelebrationwasover.

Bradyhadhisownchallengestooinarrangingsecurity.Shiftsofwolveswereassignedtopatrolthe

areas.Hehimselfvolunteeredtoparticipateinthoseroundsratherthanjoininonthehunts.Withthe
worryoftheSaintspotentiallyloomingintheshadows,hedidn’twanttotakeanychanceofhisbrother’s
festivitiesgoingsouth.

Neverhadapacksolargeattemptedtoruntogether,andwithinafewshortmilesthey’dtrackedand

takendownenoughelktofeedtheentireassembly.Bradywatchedwithanticipationasthehuntingwolves
draggedtheirkilltodesignatedspotswheretheycouldbepickedupandtransportedbacktothe
compound.

Thehunthadbeenagreatsuccess.Manyawolfprancedaround,muzzlesbloodywiththeirkills,

braggingthroughbodylanguagetooneanother.Somelookedasifthey’dtornintotheirbeastrawafter
theytookthemdown.

Brady’sdutylayinkeepingwatchovertheothersratherthangorginghimselfonfreshmeat,butthere

wasnodenyingthedesiretojoininonsuchalivelyhunt.

Thingswereworkingoutwell,giventheamountofwolvesthey’damassed:notasignoftheSaintsor

abrawlbetweenrivalpacks.Perhapshisbrother’sideaofcamaraderieduringafestiveholidayseason
wasnotsofar-fetched.

Hepatrolledtheouteredgeoftheirterritory,keepingclosewatchforanythingoutofsorts.Howls

roseuponthewindasasmallerhuntingpackcaughtscentoftheirpreyandroundedonthem.

Bradysmiledtohimself,enjoyingthesceneasifwatchingasportbeingplayed.Ofcoursehewas

rootingforthehometeam,butpartofhimappreciatedtheeffortoftheirprey.Thestruggletolivegave
speedtothecreature,butnotenough,andsoonthepackovertookthepoorbeast.Deathcamequickly.

BloodcaughtBrady’sattention.Thecopperytangofitoverpoweredthecrispnessofthewinterair.

Butitwasnottheelkthey’djusttakendown.Norwasitrabbitorevenfox.Thescentofwolfblood,as

strongasifitwereflowingfromhisownveins,roseuptosmackhiminthenose.

Andjustwhenhe’dthoughtthingsweregoingwell.
Injuriesrarelyhappenedonahunt;spilledbloodmeantafight.Andinbroaddaylight,whenthe

potentialtobespottedbyhumanswasatitsgreatest,locatingtheinjuredbeforetheyshiftedtook
precedence.

Somuchforpeaceduringtheholidays.Timetogotowork.Bradyblewoutahotbreaththatturned

tomistinstantlyasithitthecoldair.

Helistened,hopingtoheararustleofbranchesorthewhimperoftheinjured,buttherewasnothing.
Frustrationmadehimgrowlinsideoverthefacthe’dspokenofpeacetoosoonandinvokedthewrath

ofMurphy’sLaw.Wolvesalwaysfoundareasontofight.

Thescenttrailledhimdownintoathickpatchofforest.Atleastamilefromtheircompoundand

buriedundersnowmixedwithfallenleaves,hefoundashe-wolf,unconsciousandbleedingtodeath.Her
fur,whiteasthesnow,wasstainedblackfromalltheblood.

Heshiftedandknelttoinspectthewolf’swounds.Multiplebitemarkscoveredherbody.Adeepcut

acrossherbellylookedalmosttoocleantobefromclawmarks,andherfrontpawjuttedoutatanunusual
angle.Nodoubtthereweremorewoundshiddenbehindthesticky,mattedfur.Thiswasnofightovera
kill;thislookedlikemurder,poorlymaskedasabattle.

Whowoulddosuchathing?Wolvesmightbetreatedasequalsamongthepack,butthethoughtof

someoneharmingthisgirlandleavingherouttodieintheopenwoodsstruckachorddeepwithinhim.

Thepoorthingdidn’tevenhavetheenergytoshiftbacktoherhumanform.Mostwoundscouldbe

healedduringashift,sothefactshehadn’ttoldBradyshewasneardeath,andifhedidn’tgetherbackto
thecompoundimmediately,thatwouldbeherfate.

Thathecouldn’tallow.Notonhiswatch.
Itwasonlyamile;hecouldmakeit.Buthe’dbenearfrozenbythetimehearrived,havingtodoit

naked.

Bradylookedaroundtoseeifanyonewasnearby.Hethoughttohowlandalerttheothers,but

wonderedifthatmightattractthegirl’sattackersaswell.He’dspentsomuchtimewithherhehadn’t
givenanythoughttowhoelsemightstillbelingering.

Acursorysniffoftheairgavenoindicationofanyothersnearby,butevenwithhissuperiornose,

thereweretoomanyotherscentsassaultinghissensestobeaccurate.

Timewasoftheessence.Questionswouldhavetobeansweredlater.Hecouldrunafullsweepofthe

forestoncehegotthegirltothecompound.

Bradyscoopedherup.Shewasaragdollinhisarmsashecarriedherback.Howlsintheair

signaledhisapproach.Afewotherwolves,hispersonalguard,spottedhimasheapproached.Shiftingto
human,theycametoaidhimashemovedclosertothestepsofthecompound.

“Help,”hecalledout,burstingthroughthedoorsasheheadedtowardtheinfirmary.
“Whathappened?”Fallonwasfirsttomeethiminside.Withoutmissingabeat,shegrabbedablanket

fromastackandranup,throwingoneoverhisnakedbody.Horrorstruck,shespottedthewolfinhisarms.

Beforeshecouldaskthequestion,Bradyblurtedout,“Sniffedherout,buriedinthewoods.Whoever

didthisdidnotwantherfound.”Agrowlofpureangeraccompaniedhiswords.Whoeverhaddonethis
wouldpay.

“Setheroverhere.”Fallonretrievedanotherblanketfromthestack.“Doweknowwhosheis?What

packshecamefrom?”

Herquestionswerevalid,andifhehadtheanswershewouldhavegiventhem;butallBradycould

musteratthatmomentwasagruntashelaidtheinjuredwolfonthetable,inspectingthewoundsonher
body.Hereyeswereopen,butsheneitherblinkednormovedtolookaround.Herlegswerebroken,and
shehadbitemarksinhersideandvariousscrapesandabrasionsonherback.Thiswastheworkofone

oftheirown.Whoeveritwashadshiftedhumanwhentheyweredoneandattemptedtofinishthejobwith
thatfinalsliceacrossthebelly.Notdeepenoughtoguther,thankgoodness,butitwascertainlyanugly
cut.Thefactthatithadn’tfinishedheroffsaidthatithadbeendoneinhaste.Bradysenthismindback,
tryingtorecallifhehadheardanysignsofastruggle.He’dbeensohappytowatchthepackstakedown
thatlastelkthathehadn’tbeendoinghisjob.Heshouldhaveheardsomething.Buthismemorywasblank
uptothepointwhereherbloodhadcaughthisattention.

Theotherexplanationwouldbeifshehadbeenattackedelsewhereanddroppedinthewoodstodie.

Thatagainpointedtooneofhisownkind.Theyweretoodeepintothewoodsforcarstohaveaccess.

Hehadtogettothebottomofthis.
“Whatthehelldidthis?”Fallon’squestionhitthemark.
Whatindeed?Itwasonethingtofightwithanotherwolf;thathappenedallthetime.Hell,Bradywas

oftenmorebeastthanman–butevenso,todothistoafemale?Unspeakable.Toleaveheraloneand
dyinginthecoldforest...Whoeverhaddonethiswastrulyamonster.

Problemwas,withsomanynewfacesinattendance,itwouldbehardtopinpointwho’ddonethe

deed.

Bradysworesilentlythathewouldtrackdownthebastard.He’dexactretribution.Hesmelledherfur,

notingthevarietyofscentsclingingtoit.Bloodoverpoweredall.

Anotherwolfcameupbehindhim.“Herbody’sinshock.Notsurprising,seeingallofthosewounds.”
Heturnedangrilyatfirst,butrecognizingEmma,thepackphysician,hiswolfcalmeddown.
Emmaadministeredashotofsomekindtotheinjuredwolf.“She’llneedatransfusiontokickstarther

healing.She’slosttoomuchblood.”

Bradylookeddownintothepoorgirl’seyes.Hecouldn’tshakethefeelingthatifhe’dhadhisheadin

thegame,hemighthavepreventedherinjuries.“Takewhatyouneedfromme.”Hepattedherheadgently
andthenlookeduptoEmma.“Shewasfoundonmywatch.”

Fallonlookedsidewaysindisbelief.“That’sverygallantofyou,”shesaid,beforeofferingherown

bloodifneedbeaswell.

Gallantryhadnothingtodowithit.He’dbeenonpatrol;heshouldhavebeenpayingcloserattention

towhatwashappeninginhiswoods.Itwastheleasthecoulddo.Whenshewoke,shecouldpointouther
attacker.

“Justdoit,”Bradygrumbled.

FOUR

Bradysatbythegirl’ssidetheentireevening,waitingforasignshewashealing.Hewantedtobefirstin
linewhenshewoke,toquestionherandlearninformationaboutherattacker.Longhourspassedquietly,
andfinally,asthesunbegantorise,theireffortswererewardedwithaslighttwitchofmuscleanda
whimper.

Sittingontheedgeofsleep,Bradywasfadinginandoutofconsciousnesswhenaspasmofmuscle

causedhimtojumpoutofhisseat.

Itwasasmallsign,butenoughtoconfirmshewasonthemend.
Hewatchedcarefullyasherfurbegantorecedeandfadeintocreamyskin.Herpawslengthened.

Bonespoppedandcracked,reformingintohandsandfeet.Slowlyherbodyreshaped,andwhenitwas
done,shelaypantingonthetable.

“Welcomeback.”Bradysmileddown,tryingtosoftentheblowforher.Wakingupinacold,sterile

infirmaryroomhadtobejarring.Seeingtheconfusioninherbaby-blueeyesasshetriedtofocusonher
surroundingsconfirmedthat.

Halfglazedover,sheattemptedtolookaroundtheroombeforehereyessettledonBradywithfear.
Weaknesskeptherwhereshelay,butthatfearinhereyesthreatenedtogiveherstrengthenoughto

move.Shewhimpered,butwhensheopenedhermouthtospeak,nowordscameout.Dryandraspy,her
voicehadallbutstuckwhereitwasinherthroat.

“Easynow.”Hepickedupablanketandlaiditoverhergently.“Justrelax.You’reinasafeplace,”

Bradytriedtoreassureher.Hereachedahandouttoherbutthoughtbetterofhimselfandwithdrew.This
womanhadjustbeenbeatenandabused.Touchingherwouldprobablysendherintoshockorsomething
worse.Heslowlystoodfromhisseat.

Shewhimperedandfidgetedonthethinbed.
“I’mnotyourenemyhere.Ifoundyouinthewoodsandbroughtyouheretoheal.”Bradytriedto

soundsoothing,buthesawnoeasingofthefearinhereyes.“Ipromise.You’reinasafeplace.”

Sometimeoverthecourseofthenight,Fallonhadlefthimalonewithher.Hewishedshehadstayed.

Fallonwouldhavehadasoftertone,agentlerapproach.EvenEmma,itseemed,hadretiredafterthelong
eveninghadtakenitstoll.

Bradyletoutafrustratedbreath,knowinghowitmightlookifheapproachedwitheventheslightest

showofangerorannoyance.

“I’msorryforwhateverhappenedtoyoulastnight.Idon’texpectyoutobelieveme,ofcourse.”He

tookastepawayfromwhereshewaslying,holdinghishandsupintheairwhereshecouldsee.“Iwant
tohelp,butIneedyoutotrustmeandrelax,okay?I’mnotheretohurtyou.See?I’mgivingyouspace,so
youcanlookatme.”

Noneofitcameoutashe’dhoped.Despitethesoftnessheused,hewasaman.Abigman.Andhere

wasawomanwho’dclearlybeenabused.Nodoubtanythinghesaidwouldbesuspect.Theonlyreason
shehadnotrunwasthefactshehadnostrengthleft.

“Iknowyou’rescared,”hesaid.“I’dleavetogogetmyfriend...agirl...ifIwasn’tworriedaboutyou

beingalone.”

Thosepaleblueeyesofherswidenedwithpanic.

“ButI’mnotgoingtodothat.Iwon’tleaveyoualone.ButIdoneedyoutotrustmeandtrytotellme

whathappened.”

Sheopenedhermouthandasoundcameout,butitwasn’twords.
“You’restillhealing.Mighttakealittlemoretime.Youcouldprobablyusesomewater,too.”Brady

sighed.Timewasagainstthem.Themoonrevelrywouldendafterthefinalevening’sactivities.Whoever
wastheculpritwouldhavetobefoundquickly.Voiceornovoice,he’dhavetofigureitout.“Wouldyou
trustmeenoughtoatleastgetyousomewater?”

Shestaredupathim,terrorshowingclearlyinhereyes,butgaveaslightnod.
“Okay.Water.Comingrightup.”Hesnatchedapitcherfromacabinetalongthewallandfilleditfrom

asmallsinkinthecorner.“I’llevendrinkasipfirstandproveit’snotpoison.”

Probablyabadchoiceofwordstouseonawomanwhowasobviouslyafraidofhim,buthe’dnever

beenthediplomat.Whenheturnedaroundwiththepitcherandcupfilledwithwater,henoticedshe’d
relaxedenoughthatshewasn’tabouttoclimbthewallsasheapproachedher.

Bradytookasipfromtheglassbeforeofferingittoher.“See?Totallyfine.”
Shewastooweaktoreachupandgriptheglassherself,soheheldittoherlipsandlethertakeas

longassheneededtosip.

“Let’splayyesandno.Canyoudothat?”Bradyasked,aftershe’dtakenherfillofwater.Hesetthe

glassandthepitcherontherollingcartnexttoherbed.

Shelookedthoughtfulforamoment,butafterlettingoutasigh,noddedherhead.
“Wereyououttherealone?”Bradyasked.
Sheshookherhead.
“Didyoucomewithyourpack?”
Sheshookherhead.
“Nopack?”heaskedagain,toconfirm.
Andagainsheshookherhead.
Oddbehavior.Whywouldshebeouthereallonherown?Hepuzzledoverthatforafewmoments

beforecontinuing.“Wereyouattendingourrevelry?”

Sheshookherheadagain.
Evenmorepuzzling.Allthewolvesintheterritoryhadbeeninvited.Evenifshewerefromoneofthe

outerregions,she’dhavetohaveknownwhatwashappeninghere.“Areyoufromtheeastcoast?”he
asked.

Maybeallshecoulddowasshakeherhead,becausenowastheonlyanswerhewasgetting.And

nothingwasmakinganysensetohim.Hetookacalmingbreath,remindinghimselfofherfearandthe
needtomaintainneutrality.Frustrationlookedjustasbadasangerandhostilitytothosewhowere
traumatized.Hisreputationforbeingthebiggest,baddestwolfouttherecamenotonlyfromhisabilityto
fightbutfromhisstature.Beingabig,tallguywouldn’tworkinhisfavorhere.Hecouldn’taffordtohave
thisgirlhurtingherselfbytryingtoescapeifshefearedhewouldharmher.

“AreyoufromanyoftheNorthAmericanterritories?”heasked,expectingthesameansweragain.
Butfinallyshenodded.
Atleasttherewasonepositiveanswer.Butwhatwasawolffromanotherterritorydoingalonein

his?Andifthatwerethecase,wasitoneofhisownwolveswho’dattackedher?

“Howdidyougethere?”Heknewthemomentheaskedhe’dgetnoanswer.Andthenarrow-eyed

glareshegavehimsaidjustasmuch.

“Wereyouonvacationorsomething?”Hetriedtoworditsoshecouldrespond.
ShenoddedandmouthedawordthatlookedlikeFlorida.
“You’refromtheRedsterritory,then?”heasked,withevenmoreconcern.Thatwaswellbeyondhis

pack’scontrol.

Shenodded.Atleasttheyweregettingsomewhere.Notthathewasanyclosertofiguringoutwho

mighthavedaredtoattackher.

“Andyoucameupherealoneonvacation?”
Shehalfnoddedthistime.Andherfacescrunchedwithdisgust.
Wasn’tthefirsttimesomeonehadcometotheirterritorytoseetheleaveschange.NewEnglandhad

thebestandmostsoughtafternaturepreserves.Everycoloroftherainbowcouldbefound,andfallwas
theseasonthatbroughtthemall.Butthiswaswinter.Cold.Desolate.Andpiledhighwithsnow.Wrong
seasonentirely.Thatmightaccountforherunpleasantness.Thenagain,beingbeatenandleftinthecold
wouldcertainlydothataswell.

“Okay,sonotexactlythetripupnorthyouplanned,amIright?”heasked.
Thistimehernodwasemphatic.
Bythelooksofher,shehadtobeinherearlytwenties.Maybefreshoutofcollege.He’dbeenso

concernedwithherstatehe’dfailedforthefirsttimeinhislifetohaveadmiredabeautifulwomaninhis
vicinity.

Andshecertainlywasthat:curvyinalltherightplaces,withaheart-shapedfaceandpaleblonde,

almostsilverhair.Underbettercircumstances,he’dbeworkinghisgameonheraspartoftheplanto
sleephiswayacrossNewEngland.Butfantasieswouldhavetotakeabackseattoduty,asthereweretoo
manyquestionsleftunanswered,andhestillneededtogathermoreinformationonherassailants.

“Didyouknowwhoattackedyou?”heasked,wonderingwhotheotherpartywasthathadeither

followedherornoticedheroutthereinthewoods.

Sheshookherhead,butagainitseemedasiftheanswerwerenotcompletelyblackandwhite.The

lookinherpaleeyesheldpurefear,asifsheexpectedtoseethemagain,whoever‘they’were.

Bradyknewhowmuchofapossibilitythatcouldbe,giventhattheyhadcalledinallthepacksforthis

celebration.Still,hehadnothingtogoon.Nodescription.Nodetails.YesandNoanswerswereonly
goingtogethimsofar.Hesighedheavily.“Didyouseethemasawolforasahuman?”

Shelookedathimwithnarrowinghereyeswithannoyance,andherealizedhehadnotaskedadirect

question.“Didyouseeahuman?”

Sheshookherhead.
“Anddidyouseeawolf?”
Shenodded.
“Weretheremorethanone?”
Shehelduptwofingers.
“Males?”heasked.
Shenoddedagain,lookingathimasifhewereoneofthebastards.
Thatwouldmakethingsharder.Hewasafternotonebuttwowolvesnow,withnomoreinformation

togoon.Andhewasfastrunningoutofquestionstoask.

Awelcomeknockatthedoormadeboththeirheadsturn.
Emmapokedherheadinside.“Iheardvoices.Oh,Iseeshe’sawake.”Emmasteppedinside,closing

thedoorbehindhersoftly.“Ifyou’reallrightwithit,I’dliketoexamineyoualittlebit.”Shespoke
directlytothegirl.

Sinceshewasatrustedmemberofthecouncil,heknewhecouldleaveEmmatoinvestigatethisnew

information.Andbeingagirl,Emmawouldprobablyprovidemorecomfortthanhecould.Bradytookthe
opportunitytoescape.“IneedtospeakwithAiden,”hesaid,standingtostretch.

Perhapsitwashervulnerability,ormaybehisownguiltthatacrimehadbeendoneonhiswatch,but

ashesteppedtowardthedoorasuddenintenseneedtoprotecttheinjuredwolfcameoverhim.
Rationally,heknewEmmawouldkeepthegirlsafe;butanothermoreprimalpartbeggedhimtostayby

hersideuntilshehadfullyhealed.Hedidn’tevenknowthegirl’sname.Butthethoughtofherbeingleft
alone,evenforamoment,filledhimwithdread.“Don’tleavehersideuntilIgetback,”Bradyordered.

“Ofcourse,”Emmasaid,thepictureofcalmagainsthissuddenirrationalconcern.“She’llbewell

takencareof,Ipromise.”

“I’llreturnorsendFallonshortly.WestillneedtogetmoreinformationsoIcanbeginsearchingfor

theperpetrators,”headded,asheslippedoutthedoor.

FIVE

Bynow,Bradyassumed,Aidenwouldhavealreadyrisenfortheday,soheexpectedtofindhimbusy
withpaperworkinhisoffice.Fallon’spresenceinthehallwayconfirmedit.Eitherthatorshewashaving
anearlymorningaffair,basedonthetwolargemugsofcoffeesheheldreadyinherhands.Heamused
himselfwiththatthoughtashecameuptothebleary-eyedshe-wolf.

“Morning,brighteyes.”Bradywinkedandopenedthedoorforhertoenter.
“Tooearlyforyourbullshit,”Fallongroaned.“Letmeatleastfinishthiscupbeforewestartverbally

sparringwitheachother.”

“Wehavemoreimportantthingstodiscuss.Raincheckthough,okay?”Hefollowedherinsidethe

smalloffice,closingthedoorquicklybehindhim.

“Morning,brother.”Aidenacknowledgedhimwithoutlookingupfromhispapers.“Iheardyouhad

quitetheeveninglastnight.Sleptnexttoagirlanddidn’teven–”

“Notcool,man.”Brady’stonesoured.“Shewasnearlymurderedonmywatch.”
Aidennoddedasheglancedupandmethisbrother’stiredeyes.“Sorry,man,badtiming.Butyou

knowI’vebeenwaitingforachancetosaysomethinglikethattoyou.”

“Underbettercircumstances,I’dwelcomeit.”Bradywavedhisannoyanceawaywithaswipeofhis

hand.“Butwedohaveaseriousproblemtodealwith.Now.”

“Apparentlyso.”AidentookthecoffeeFallonofferedhimandsatdownathisdesk.“Someoneamong

usisapotentialmurderer.AndyouwereworriedabouttheSaints.Who’dhavethoughtitwouldbeoneof
ourowntodosuchathing?”

“Theymaynotbeoneofours,”Bradyoffered.
FallontookaseatwithhercoffeeinfrontofAiden’sdeskandmotionedforBradytotakethe

additionalopenseatnexttohers.“Whatdidyoufindout?”sheasked.

“Notmuch,unfortunately.”BradytooktheseatandkickedhisfeetuponthecornerofAiden’sdesk.

“She’snottalkingyet,butwhatIgotoutofherisshe’sfromtheReds’territory.”

“Whywouldanyofthemcomenorth?It’sthewinter,forgod’ssake.They’dfreezetheirassesoff,”

Fallonsaid.

“Exactlywhattheyhopedthatgirlwoulddointhesnow,”Bradyresponded.“Ican’tsayforsure,but

itsoundslikeaplant.Shewasbroughtupheretobekilledduringourcelebrations.Someonewantedto
stiruptrouble.”

Aidensighed.“Thatdoescausesomeproblems.I’llputacallintotheRegionalAlphaandseewhat’s

goingonintheirrealm.Butwe’llneedtodealwiththisin-housethisweekend.Idon’tcarewhatpacks
areinvolved–attemptedmurderisnottolerable.Theguiltywillbebroughttomyjustice.”

“Whenyoucall,letthembelievethegirlwasfounddead.I’mcurioustoseehowtheyrespond,”

Fallonadded.

Aiden’seyebrowquirkedupslightly.“Yoususpectfoulplayuptothatlevel?”
“RememberwhathappenedwithGiselle?”Fallonremindedhim.“Herentirefamilywentunder

attack,andthey’restillsortingouttheguiltyparties.”

“Trueenough.OurprecariouspeaceacrossNorthAmericahasbeentouchyoflate.”Aidennodded,

strokinghischin.“Agreed.We’llplaythisclosetoourchest,then.”

Notevenafewmonthsearlier,BradyhadplayedhispartinprotectingthelittlewerewolfGiselle

duringtheAlphatrials.TheRedshadnotwalkedawaywithoutablackspotontheirrecord,ashe
recalled.Charles,theirRegionalAlpha,hadbeenoneofthechiefdissentingcouncilmembersinthat
wholedebacle.Butiftheyweretryingtounderminetheotherregionsorincitepackwars,theyhad
anotherthinkcoming.

Hefiledthatawayforlater.Now,hehadtofocus.Whoeverthebastardswerethatattackedthatgirl,

hehadlessthantwodaystofindthemandpunishthem.Oncethecelebrationwasover,they’dalldisperse
andhe’dlosehiswindowofopportunity.

“Whileyou’replayingtheAlphagame,Ineedtofindtheonesresponsible,”Bradysaidwithasnarl.
“Howdoyouproposewegoaboutferretingouttheguiltyparty?”Fallonasked.
HerwillingnesstojumpinandhelpwasoneofthereasonsBradylikedhisbrother’smatesomuch.

Shehadn’tbeenbornawolf,butmoreoftenthannot,Fallonprovedthatshebelonged.Bradythoughtfora
moment.Thebestwaytofindtheguiltypartywastogetthemallinoneplace.Peoplewithsecretstohide
wereeasytosniffout,especiallywhenyoudangledthosesecretsinfrontoftheirfaces.Wordscould
deceive,butbodylanguagewasadeadgiveaway.Todoitright,he’dneedsomeprettyimpressivebait.
“AsmuchasIwasagainstthisinthebeginning,Ithinkweneedtobringthepackstogetherforsome
games.”

“Games,brother?”
“Yes.Ineedallthewolvestogether.Haveahugegatheringwithmeatanddrinkandgetpeoplereally

happybeforerevealingourspecialguest.Wewill,ofcourse,needtothinkofsomethingtotestthemight
andskillofourmen.Suggestsomewonderfulprizetothestrongestandmostcunning.”

“Andthegirl?”Aiden’seyebrowlifted.
“Willbeourspecialguestjudgeofthegames.Safewithus,butclearlyvisibletothemasses.”Justthe

thoughtofitsouredhisstomach.Puttingthegirloutthereintheopen,infrontofherattackers–nodoubtit
wouldbenerve-rackingforher.Ifhehadanybetterideas,he’dbringthemup,butplanswerenothis
strongsuit.Heneededbait,andthebestbaitofallwasdanglingtheveryalivegirltothewholeassembly
ofwolves.Itwouldinstantlytriggerareactionfromanyguiltyparty,andifheguessedright,wouldcause
themtoeitherrunormakeascene.Eitherofthosewouldworkinhisfavor.Withaheavysigh,he
answered,“Revealinghertothecrowdwillshedlightonanyonewhohasknowledgeofher.She’stobe
protected,though.Neveraloneforaminute!”

“You’dmakeafineAlpha.ShouldIbeworriedyoumightonedayusethatwitanddeceptionofyours

tousurpme?”Aidenchuckled.

“Andbeforcedtoendurethedrudgeryofcouncilmeetings?”Bradycrackedasmile.“Hell,no!”
“Youdothatalready.”
“Iwatchvideosonmyphoneandplaygameswhileyoudroneon.Theoccasionalnodandgruntisall

youneedfromme.I’mcoolwiththat.Youpoint,Ikill.I’mhappyinmyposition.”Somewolvesfought
overlinesofsuccession;Bradyhadnevergivenitasecondthought.Growingup,Aidenhadalwaysbeen
moreliketheirfather.Hehadthetoleranceforthemundanetasksofleadership,whereasBradycould
hardlystandthebusinessendofthings.Bothbrothershadbeentrainedasfightersandlearnedthefamily
business,butwhenDaddied,therehadbeennoargumentoverAidenacceptinghisrightfultitleasAlpha.

“Gladtohearit,brother,”Aidensaid.“Andyes,ifwebringheroutintothepublic,she’llhavethe

protectionofmyselfandFallonatalltimeswhileyoudoyourpart.”

“I’llholdyoutothat.”Bradyhadn’tmeantittosoundlikeathreat.Somethingaboutthatgirlwas

messingwithhishead.

“Brother,you’vealreadyspentthenightwithher.Ithoughtyou’dbemovingonbynow.”Atraceof

mockerystillclungtoAiden’svoice.

“She’smyresponsibility.”Itwasn’talie,exactly.Itjustwasn’tthewholetruth.Hedidfeel

responsible,forsure.Butthatwasn’tall.Ashadowofsomeotherfeelinglurkedthere,too.Something
amorphous,thathecouldn’tquitenaildown.“IwanttoensurehersafetyuntilIbringthebastardswhodid
thistojustice.”

“Itwillbedone,brother,”Aidenpromised.

SIX

Notwantingtoleavethegirlalonefortoolong,Bradyrushedthroughalertinghissecurityteamaboutthe
planandfoundhiswaybacktotheinfirmaryjustasEmmahadbegunservingbreakfast.

Sittingdutifullybythegirl’sside,asBradyhadordered,Emmawasfeedingtheinjuredwolfsmall

spoonfulsofoatmealfromahotbowl.“You’rebacksosoon.She’simprovingrapidly,nowthather
naturalhealinghasfinallykickedin.”

ThatbroughtasmiletoBrady’sface,thoughhecouldn’treasonwhy.Ofcoursehealingwasgood

news,butheconnectedwarmlywithitasifherhealthwaspartofhisownhappiness.Herushedtoher
side,withasmilestretchingfromeartoear,andtookthebowlfromEmma.“I’llsitwithhernow.”

Thegirlhadrecoiledfromhimthelasttimetheywereinthesameroom,butnotnow.Nofrightened

twitchorgaspofbreathcamefromhissuddenmovement.Andwhensheopenedhermouth,wordsflowed
out,assweetandsoftasanyhe’deverheard.

“Icanfeedmyself,really.”Shemightnothaveflinchedthistime,butheclearlycaughttherollofher

eyes.

Helaughedtohimself.Shecouldbeannoyedbyhisoverzealousnessaslongasshewashealing.And

nowthatshewastalking,hemightgetmoreinformationfromhertoo.Bonus!

“Enjoyitwhileyoucan.”Emmasaid.
“What?”Thegirllookedconfused.
"Beingpamperedbythisbigidiot,”Emmasnorted,andgaveBradyaknowingglare.
“She’sjustjealousbecauseI’mnotspoon-feedingherbreakfast.”Bradyallbutstuckhistongueoutat

thehaughtywolf.She’dhadherchance.

“Youtwohaveahistory?”thegirlaskedsuspiciously.
“Bradyhasahistorywitheverygirlinourpack,”Emmarespondedwithsnark.
Thatwasnotwhatsheneededtohear.
Hereasygoingsmilefaded.
BradyclearedhisthroatandgaveEmmahisbestGetthehelloutlook.“Don’tlistentoher.

Especiallyifit’sgoingtomakeyouallgrumpyagain.Iwasjuststartingtolikethishappy,smilingversion
ofyou.Somuchbetterthanthegroggy,half-deadwolfIbroughtinhereearlier.”

Thegirlsnortedandnearlychokedonheroatmeal.“Okay.I’lltrynottodieagainifthatmakesyou

happy.”

“Agirlaftermyownheart.Stayingaliveistrulythebestthingyoucoulddorightnow.”Bradyoffered

heranotherbiteofoatmeal.“Butaclosesecondwouldbetellingmeyourname.”

Sheturnedawayfromthespoon.“Rachel.”
“Well,Rachel,I’mBrady.SecondsonoftheOldeTownpack.”Hesetdownthebowlandheldouta

handtoher.

Shenoddedrespectfullybutdidn’ttakehisofferedhand.Allwolvesgrewuplearningthechainof

command,sohearingexactlywherehesatinthepeckingorderoftenresultedinanimmediatechangein
demeanor.

“Becool,”hesaid.“JustmakingsureyouknowI’mheretotakecareofbusiness.You’resafe.Don’t

gogettingallchokedupnowinthepresenceofallthismanliness.”Hehopedthejokemightloosenher
backup.

Itfailed,ofcourse.Sheremainedsilent,staringathimwiththosegorgeouspaleblueeyes.
Herinjurieshadallbutvanished,thebruisesfadedtomereshadowsunderherskin,andherhairhad

beenwashedandstraightened.Theonlyevidenceofwhathadhappenedtoherremainedinherposture
andtheslighttremblingasshefinallytookBrady’sofferedhand.

“You’reundermyprotection.Noharmwillevercometoyouagain.Iswearit,”hesaid,inhismost

reassuringtone.

“Howcanyouswear?”shewhispered.Herhandrusheduptocoverhermouthmomentsaftershe

spoke.

Itwasthenhenoticedtheslightdiscolorationonherhand:awhitelinearoundherringfinger.
Shehadbeenmated.Andjustlikethat,itallmadesense.Shehadn’tcomehereonvacation.Andshe

hadn’tbeenbroughtherebyaforeignpacktostiruptrouble.Shewasontherun.“Youdoknowwhodid
this,don’tyou?”Bradyaskedwithasnarl,hismindimmediatelyhittingtheworst-casescenario.The
lowestofthelow:amatekillingtheirpartner.

Shewhimpered.Allthejoylefthereyes,andinthatmoment,sherevertedtotheweakandfrightened

womanhe’dfoundinthewoods.

Everyfiberofhisbeingfilledwithrage.Amatewassupposedtoloveandprotecttheirpartner.A

mandidnotdothistoawoman.Howcouldanyone?Thesacredbondbetweenwolveswasforlife.“You
toldmeyoudidn’tknowthewolf.”

“Idon’tknowthewolfwhobeatme.ButIknowwhy.”Shepulledawayandburiedherfaceinher

hands,sobbing.

“Didyourmatefollowyouhere?”Ittookallhehadtocontrolhistoneandnotfrightenherfurtheras

hespoke.Hiswolfwasoutandreadyforafight.Hehimselfhadbeenaccusedofbeingajerkanda
womanizer,butneverinhiswildestdreamswouldhedaretointentionallyhurtawoman.Thethoughtof
someonewhocoulddothatmaderageburnwithinhimsomuchhisarmtrembledwithit.

“ItoldnooneIwastraveling,”shesaidwithasniffle,attemptingtoputonabraveface–buther

puffyeyesandRudolphnosegavehertrueemotionalstateaway.

“Creditcardreceiptsareeasytotraceforsomeonelooking.”Bradytriedtoholdbackthegrowlinhis

voice.Wolvesmatedforlife,andonlyindeathcouldthatbondbereleased.“I’mguessingyourmarriage
wasnotahappyone?”

Sheshookherhead,andtookagaspingbreath.“Wewerematedtojoinourpacks.Myfatherdidn’t

knowwhathewassendingmeinto.Andoncewewerepaired,theytookmeaway,”sheadmittedwitha
sob.

Antiquatedritualsandritesthatshouldhavediedawayyearsago.TheOldeTownnolongerused

matedbondsasatreatymethod,butoutsidetheirterritory,heknewthepracticewasstillalive.Evenif
awkwardatfirst,mostarrangedmarriagesworkedout,though.Clearlythathadnotbeenthecasehere.
“Thatmakesthingsinteresting.TheirAlphawillhavesomethingtosaywhenthingsarebroughttolight,”
Bradymumbled,moretohimselfthantoRachel.ThatlevelofpoliticswouldhavetogouptoAiden.But
Bradywouldthoroughlyenjoybringingdowntheelusivemate.

“Can’tIjustpretendtobedeadanddisappear?”Allthecolorfadedfromhercheeks,asifdeath

alreadygrippedherwithitsicyhandsandwasdrainingherlifeaway.

“Murderisnotsomethingwetakelightly.Ifyourmateistoblameforwhattranspired,hewillbe

broughttojustice,andthatwillgetbacktohisAlpha,”Bradysaid.

Shesobbedlightlyintoherhand.“Morewillcome,then.”
“No.You’llbesafe,Iassureyou.”
“Howcanyousaythat?Whoareyoutoguaranteeanything?”
“I’mBradyWhelan.Incaseyou’renotawareofwhereyouare,you’reintheWhelanhouse,homeof

theOldeTownpack.RegionalAlphasoftheNorthEast.Youcouldn’taskforabetterplacetobe

sheltered.”

Aglimmeroflightreturnedtohereyes.“Ididn’tmeantoinsultyou.”
Shelookedathimlikenooneelsehadbefore.Tohisownpack,Bradywasknownandwellsought

afterforhispositionandhisstrength.She-wolveswoulddoanythingtobehis.Butthisgirllookedathim
notforhispositionbutforhisstrength.Thetruthwasinhergorgeouslypaleblueeyes:hewashersavior.

Andhe’ddohisbesttoliveuptothattitle.
“InsultsIcantake.Seeingyouhurtlikethatagain,thatisunforgiveable,”heansweredback.“We’ll

findthoseresponsible.”

“Thankyou.”Herwordsweregenuineenoughbutlacedwithmorefearthananywolfshouldshow.

“Buthowwillyoumanage?”

Hehesitated,knowingwhatitwouldtake.Knowingitmightbringhermorefear.Hedidn’twanttodo

orsayanythingthatmightcauseheranymorediscomfort,buttheyhadpreciouslittletimetogettothe
bottomofthis.

Bradyletoutadeepsigh.“Ican’tpromiseyouthatthiswillbeeasy.ButknowthatIwillensureyour

protectionwhileIbringtheguiltypartiestojustice.”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”sheaskedhesitantly.
“Whoeverattackedyouassumesyou’redead.I’llhavetorevealthetruthtoforcethemtoshowtheir

hand.”

“Usemeasbait?”shegasped,andslappedahandoverhermouth.
Heshouldhaveexpectedthatfromher,andthemomenthesawtheshockinhereyes,hewantedto

scrapthewholeplan.Hecouldn’tforcethisgirltogothroughanymorethanshealreadyhad.

Itjustwasn’tright.
But,beforehecouldbegintobackpedal,shetookabreathandsquaredhershoulders.Rachellocked

eyeswithBrady,determinationoverpoweringfear,andsaid,“How?”

Hisjawnearlydropped.Foramoment,Bradysatinstunnedsilence.Sheshouldhavebeenfighting

him.Sheshouldhavetoldhimtherewasnowayinhellshe’dbebait.Butinstead,shewanteddetails.

Admirationmadehisheartraceashemaintainedeyecontactwithher.Whatawoman!“Firstoff,

you’llbesafe.Ipromise.Youwon’tbealoneforasinglemoment.WhetherornotI’mbyyourside,
someonefrommyfamilywillbetheretokeepwatchoveryou.”

Hereyesnarrowedeversoslightlywithsuspicion.“Howdoyouknowtheyweren’ttheones–”
“Thatisnotourway,”Bradyrespondedquickly.Amomentlaterhecorrectedthesharpnessofhis

tone.“Ifyourformermatewasinvolved,realisticallyhe’dhaveobtainedservicesfromhisownpeople.”

“I’msorry.Ireallydidn’tmeantoinsultyou.”Sheloweredhergazetoherhandsinsubmission.
Bradytookholdofherhandandgrippedittight,forcinghertolookupandmeethiseyesagain.“I

understand.You’vebeenthroughaterribleordeal.I’dthinksomethingwaswrongwithyouifyoudidn’t
questioneverythingatthispoint.Youhaveeveryright.AndIwanttomakesureyougettheanswersyou
need.”

Shehadthelookofsomeonewhowantedtorunasfarandasfastasshecould;andyet,atthat

moment,shesetherjaw.“Ifyouthinkthisisthebestwaytobringouttheguilty,I’llgoalongwithyour
plan.”

Strengthinthefaceofadversity.Morethanafewwolveshe’dmet,menandwomenalike,wouldhave

triedtotalkhimoutofariskyplansuchasthis.Fearwouldhavedriventhemaway.But,beatenand
bruisedasshewas,thisgirlRachelhadsummonedcourage.

Herstrengthbroughtasmiletohiseyes,fillinghimwithsomethingmuchdeeperthanadmiration.He

couldn’tquiteputafingeronthesensation,butinthatmoment,holdingherhand,feelingherstrength,felt
right.Shefeltright.Liketheotherpieceofapuzzlelockingintoplace.

“We’llgetthebastards.Andyou’llbefreeofanyfurtherconsequences.ThisIpromise.”Brady

broughtherhandtohislipsandgentlykissedthetopsofherknuckles.

SEVEN

Emmatookovertheafternoonshift,keepingwatchwhileBradywenttoorganizesecurityandsetthefinal
partsofhisplaninplace.He’donlybegoneforalittlewhile,andheknewshe’dbeingoodhandswith
Emmalookingafterher,butheworriedthathisabsencewouldaffectRachel’sresolve.

They’dgrowncloseinonlyafewhours.Morethansimplyduty-boundtoprotecther,heneededto

ensurehersafety.Atthesametime,hisinnerwolfragedatthethoughtofsomeonedaringtohurther.

Hehadn’tknownherallthatlong,buteveninthatshorttimehe’dfoundhersnarkywitcharming.She

hadastubbornstreakandastrengthofwilltomatch.Allattractivequalities,toppedwithanimpressive
bodyandcaptivatingeyes.

Whatpossiblereasoncouldanyonehavetoinjuresuchabeautifulsoul?Eveninanarrangedmating,

whoeverhadgainedherhandhadtohaveseentheyweregettingtheperfectpackage.

Lostinhisowntrainofthought,henearlyranintoFallononhiswaytohisroom.
“Findoutanythingnew?”sheasked.
“Shehasamate,”Bradyreplied.
“Toobadforyou.”Fallonnearlylaughedbutstoppedherself.“Sorry...thatwasmeant...”
“Don’t,”Bradywarned,notinthemoodformorejabsabouthislovelife.
AmusementfadedfromFallon’seyes.“Sowasthemateinvolved?”
“Ibelieveso.Butratherthandothedeedhimself,hebroughtinahitman.”
“Notjustabastard,butacowardtoo.”ThewordsescapedFallon’slipswithasnarl.
“Mythoughtstoo.”AngerdarkenedBrady’stone,givingagrowlingedgetohiswords.“We’llstill

proceedwiththegamestonightinthehopesoflearningtheidentityofthehitman.Butthematewillbea
wholeotherstory.He’llneedtobefound;butifhe’ssmart,he’llkeepoutofview.”

“Unlessyouforcehishand,”Fallonsaidwithahintofmischief.“Uptheanteintonight’sfestivities.”
“Howso?”Brady’scuriositywaspiqued.
Fallondroppedhervoicetoawhisper,lookingaroundasshespoke.“Well,ifhewantstobesurethe

deedisdone,he’llkeepundertheradarbutwon’twanttoleaveuntilheknowsforsure.Right?So
insteadofjustputtingheronapedestal,makehertheprize.”

“Idon’tfollow.”
“She’salreadymated.Soshecan’tbepairedoffagain.Butifthewolvesinattendancethoughtshe

wouldbetheirmateasaprize,they’dfightforher.”

“That’sapracticethathasn’tbeendoneinyears,”Bradygrumbled.
“Really?BecauseI’mguessingthatgirlwasmatedoffforherpack’sfavor,wasn’tshe?”Fallon

responded.“Orelsewhywassherunningfromherlife’slove?”

“Outofthequestion.It’sonethingtoshowheroff.It’sentirelyanothertomakehersomeprize.”
“Nooneisreallygoingtotakeherastheirmate,”Fallonpointedout.“Butshe’llbeclearlyinthe

spotlight.Andwolveswillfightforthechance.Herrealmatewillhavetodosomethingatthatpoint.”

Hehadtoadmittheplanhadmerit.Rachel’srealmate,ifhewerearound,wouldhavetodo

somethingtoavoidhisgirlbeingcarriedoffbysomeotherwolf.ButthethoughtofputtingRacheloutlike
apieceofmeatsickenedhim.

“Let’ssayIallowthistohappen,andsomewolfdoesfightandwin–whatdotheyactuallyget?”
“You.”Fallonsmackedhiminthechestasiftheanswerwereplainasday.

“Me?”ShocksharpenedBrady’stone.
“Nooneisgoingtobeatyou.Arethey?”sheteased.
Nodoubtaboutthat.Bradypuffedhischestwithpride.Andthatgavetheplanjusttherightedgeto

beacceptableinhiseyes.“SoIfightwhoeveriswinning?”

“Youfightwhenyouhaveto.Ifhertruematestepsin,youbeathisassbloody.Ifhedoesn’t,I’llbe

sittingonthesidelineswithher,andshecanpointhimoutifheshowshisuglyface.”

“Ilikethewayyourmindworks.”Bradysmiledatthedeviousnessofhissister-in-law,provingagain

thatshehadbeenbornforthisrole,evenifshehadn’tbeenbornawolf.“Okay.We’lldothisyourway.
Butyou’llremainathersidetheentiretimeI’maway.”

“Youlikeher,don’tyou?”Fallonteased.
“Iofferedhermyprotection,”Bradysaid,withasmuchgrowlashecouldaddintohisvoice.Whether

helikedherornotwasamootpoint:shehadamate.

“Ofcourse,”Fallonwinked.“Andshewillhaveyour...protection...totheend.”
“I’mnotafteranotherwolf’smate,”Bradygrumbled.“TellAidentherevisedplan.I’mofftoprepare

myself.”Bradyturnedandwalkedaway,headingtohisroom,fightingagainstthelittlevoiceinhishead
thatwhispered,Whenallissaidanddone,shewon’tbeanyone’smate.Temptingasitwouldbe,hehad
adutytodo.Rachelwouldbemadesafe.Thatwasthepromisehewashonor-boundtouphold.

EIGHT

Sunsetcameandwentwiththelowrumbleofthunderonthehorizon.Snowwasintheforecast,although
notuntilmuchlaterintheevening.Despitetheincreasingcloudcover,themooninallitsglorystillshone
downontherevelrybelow.

Wolvesgluttedthemselvesonthespoilsoftheirearlierhunts,andtheairranthickwiththesmellof

meatandbeer.Rowdywolvescheeredattheirleaderformore,andAidenlookedalltoohappytoserve
uptheirnextbitoffun.

Standingaboveitall,onthebackdeckofthemaincompoundbuilding,Aidenliftedhishandtohush

thecrowd.“We’vegotaspecialtreatforyouallthisevening,”hecalled,loudenoughforallthewolves
aroundthebonfiretohear.“Eventssuchasthesearewonderfulopportunitiestojoinourindividualpacks
andactasone.It’saplacefornewwolvestomeetandnewbondstobeformed.”

Thecheerswerequieterthistime,butstilltheexcitementinthecrowdbuzzedwithfreneticenergy.
“Andtonight,”Aidencontinued,“we’regoingtomakeaspecialbond.Intheancientgameofstrength

andvirility,oneluckystudwillbeawardedthehonorofabeautifulwolfashismate.”

Thatrevelationsilencedthecrowd.Eachmanlookedtotheguystandingnexttohimasifsizinguphis

nextopponent.

Aidenwavedahand,andFallonwalkedoutarminarmwithRachel.She’dbeendressedtoimpress,

andinstantlyseizedthecrowd’sattention.Thetwowolvesheldtheirheadshighastheysaunteredtoward
Aiden.

Rachel,concernedasshe’dseemedearlierattheprospectofbeingbait,gavenoindicationoffear.

Bradycaughtaquickglimpseofher.Madeuptolooklikeapromqueen,shewasinadazzlingdressof
crèmesatin,trimmedinfurthatmatchedherownsnowywolf.

Hiswolfrosetotheoccasion,nearlyforgettingshewasn’treallyaprizetobehad.Thewhispering

voicewasback,suggestinghoweasilyshecouldbehis.Secondson.Bornandraisedafighter.Hehad
betterchancethananytowinher.Buttemptingastheywere,thosethoughtswereempty.Shewasnota
prize;shewashisward.Ittookallhehadtoshakethetemptationfromhismind,especiallywhenshe
lookeddownintothecrowdandmethiseyes.

He’dhavegivenanythingatthatmomenttoboundupthereandtakeherawayfromallthis.
No!Hegavehimselfamentalkickandrefocusedonthetaskathand.
Bradyturnedtothecrowd,expectingtoseeexcitement,tosmellthearousalofmalesthinkingthey

wouldhaveherastheirprize.Noneofthosereactionswereofanyconcerntohim,thoughtheycaused
pangsofjealousywhenhecaughtthem.Hewaslookingforsomethingelse.

Anervoustwitch.Thekickofananxiousheartbeatintooverdrive.Guiltmanifestingitselfinbody

language.Everyonehasatell;itwasonlyamatterofseeingit.

Thisgirlwassupposedtobedeadandburiedunderamountainofsnow,andthereshestoodaliveand

well...andbeingofferedasaprizetothewinner.

Inacrowdofahundredormorewolves,heonlyneededtospottheonewhohadaguiltyconscience

andhe’dstrike.

Butnonehadyetshowntheirhand.
Aidencontinuedtoaddressthecrowd.“Thislovelyyoungwolfhasofferedherselfwillinglytobe

matedtothestrongestandbravestamongyou.Whocanbestshowhisprowessinthefightingpit?”

TheideaofherparadingherselfforthisgroupofdroolingwolvessentBrady’sheartracing.Hehad

toremindhimselfthatthiswasallforshow.Practiceslikethiswerenolongerdone,forobviousreasons.
Butstill,lookinguptowhereshewasstanding,seeinghowshe’dbeenofferedasamereprize,madehis
bloodboil.Henearlyforgotwhathewassupposedtobedoing.

Bradyweavedthroughthecrowd,looking,listening,searchingforanysignofthewolfwho’d

attackedherthepreviousevening.

“Whowillmakethefirstchallenge?”Aidencalledout.
Afewwolvesbegantohowlinresponse,andthecrowdshiftedforwardasiftheyallwantedtobe

firstinline.

Almostall.Onewolf,Bradyspotted,stoodstillascouldbe.Hiseyeswerefixedonthegirl,butthere

wasnolustinhisgaze.

Brady’seyesshifteduptoFallonandthentothegirl.
Stonyexpressionsofhatredcoveredtheirfacesastheytoocaughtsightofthelonewolfstanding.
Bradysizedhimup.Tall.Perhapsevenlymatchedinheight.Andhecertainlyhadthebuildofa

fighter.Andmoreimportantly,notawolfknowntohim.ThattickedalltheboxesandgaveBradythe
greenlighttobeginhisinterrogation.Hestrolledtowardtheotherwolf,pastingasmileonhisface,
chucklingasifhe’dbeentoldafunnystory.“Notwillingtotakeyourchance?”

“She’snotworthit,”theotherwolfscoffed.
Continuingtoplaycongenial,Bradykepthistonelight.“You’dbetheonlyonearoundtosaythat.

Why?”

Thewolvesmet,eyetoeye.Bradysmiledwithhisteethashewaitedfortheothertorespond,and

whenhedidn’t,Bradycontinued.“You’renotfromourpack.Whatterritoryhaveyoucomefrom?”

“Idon’thavetoanswertoyou.”Theotherwolfcrossedhisarmsandstoodtall,matchingBrady’s

stareasiftryingtoexertdominance.

Bradyalmostlaughedatthepettydisplay,butkepthisvoicecalm.“Yousee,thatresponserightthere

confirmsjusthowmuchastrangeryouaretotheseparts.Youshouldknowwhoyou’redealingwithwhen
youvisitaforeignpack.”

Ahintofuneaseflashedintheotherwolf’seyes,butherefusedtolowerhisgaze.“Excusemylackof

manners,then.Iwillpreparebetternexttime.”

Sarcasmwasn’thelpinghiscase.Guiltmightaswellhavebeenwritteninredinkacrosstheother

wolf’sforehead.Bradylistenedtotheracingofhisheartandwonderedhowmuchfartherhe’dbeableto
gobeforethewolfwouldriseupandtrytofighthim.

Bradycrackedhisknuckles,preparing.Hiswolfbeggedtobecalledup,itchingforthefight.“You

stillhaven’tansweredme.Wherehaveyoucomefrom?”Bradydemandedthistime.

Amomentofsilencepassedbetweenthem,andthentheotherwolfbrokeintoarun.
Fuck!Bradyshouted,unpreparedtogivechase.He’dallbutbeguntosproutfurandhadtopullhis

wolfback.

Therunnerwasfast,kickingupsnowbehindhimashetoreintotheforest.
BradygaveaquickglancebacktoRacheltomakesureshewasokaybeforehegavechaseintothe

forestafterhisprey,hiswolfbeggingtobecalledintoactionashepushedthroughthesnowdriftsafterthe
otherman.

Inthedistance,heheardthesoundsoffighting–nodoubtAiden’schallengehadbeenaccepted.Inthe

backofhismind,heworriedforRachel.ButFallonwaswithher.Shewasmorethancapableofrisingto
thetask,andAidentoo,ifthingsturnedsour.Hewasn’tAlphajustforhisgoodlooks.Butstill,the
thoughtofleavinghermadeBradyanxious.

He’dhavetomakequickworkofthismess.

Thestrangerwasfast,shiftingmid-sprintintohiswolf.ShreddedclothesblewintoBrady’sfaceashe

followedcloselyinthewolf’swake.

He’dhavetoshifttooifhehopedtocatchthebastard.Hemightnothavebeenlocaltothearea,but

thewayhetookoffsaidheknewathingortwoaboutwheretheywere.Howlonghadhebeenhanging
around?Questionsthatwouldhavetobeansweredeventually.Forthemoment,speedwasallthatBrady
needed,andfinallycatchingsightofwheretheotherwolfwasheading,Bradycalledforthhiswolfand
shifted.

Themomentaryoutofbodyexperienceofthechangenearlystoppedhimdeadinhistracks,butBrady

quicklyfoundhisfootingandcaughtuptothetrailofhisprey.

Theotherwolfwasfastandsurprisinglynimbleashedartedaroundrocksandoldstumps,buthe

stalledwhenhehitadriftofdeepsnowpilednexttoafallentree.

Bradytooktheopportunityandsnappedattheotherwolf’spawashestruggledtofreehimselffrom

thesnow.

Cripplinghimforthemoment,Bradytookhisopportunitytostrikeattheinjuredwolf,aimingforthe

delicateareaunderhisneck;butfastashecould,theotherwolfrolledawayanddovebackintothefight,
snarlingatBrady.

Snowflewupfromtheirscramblingpawsaseachwolfmovedtocountertheother.Theycircled

slowly,waitingfortherightmomenttostrike,takingnipswheretheycouldandlungingwhenanybitof
underbellymightbeexposed.

Bradysizeduphisopponent.Definitelyafighter.Quicktoevadeashewas,thewolfhadsome

trainingintheartofcombat.Buthewasworkingwithaninjuredpaw.Brady’searlystrikehadgivenhim
theadvantage,andifhecouldforcetheotherwolftopushhisinjurytoofar,itwouldweakenhim.

Bradydoveagain,snarlingandsnappinghisjaw,forcingtheotherwolftoretreatafewpacesuntilhe

backedintoatreetrunk.

Onesmallturnoftheheadtoconfirmwhathe’drunintowasallBradyneeded.Hepounced,

connectingwiththebackofthewolf’sneck,andbitdownhardashecould,digginghisteethinuntilthe
copperytangofvictorytickledhistongue.

Withayelpofpain,theotherwolftriedtoshakehimoff,butBradyhadtheupperhand.Heclamped

hisjawtighterandjerkedhisheadfromsidetoside,tearingflesh,rippingoutfur,coatinghismuzzlein
blood.

Perhapssensingtheseverityofhisinjuriesmadetheotherwolfmorevolatileandhismovements

fasterandmoreunpredictable.HeturnedonBradywithsurprisingspeedthemomenthisteethslipped
free,soquicklythatBradylosthisgripandslidafewinchesinthesnow.

Snarling,theotherwolfsnappedwildlyashelungedatBradyandconnectedwithscruffofhisneck,

pullingawayamuzzlefullofhair.

Swingingaroundtoregainhisfooting,Bradyturnedontheotherwolf.
Madwithangerorpain–probablyboth–theotherwolfrearedup,lookingmorebearthanwolf,

leavingBradyaneasyopening.Hesprintedforwardandknockedtheotherwolfonhisback,sinkinghalf
afootintoalargepileofsnow.

Bradytoweredoverthefallenwolf,readytostrikeafinalblow.Thearrogantbeastwasstilltryingto

putupafight,kickinghispawsupintoBrady’sbelly,buthewasinnopositiontodohimanyharmnow.

Forthebriefestofmoments,Bradyconsideredlettingthebastardlive–ifonlylongenoughtoget

informationoutofhim.Buthedoubtedtherewouldbeanythingofqualityifhedid,andwithprecious
littletimetogetbacktoRachel,hemadequickworkofendinghisenemy.

Heshiftedoncethewolfhadstoppedtwitchingandpickeduptheblood-soakedcorpsetocarryback

tothecompound.

Killerorno,thiswolfwouldnotbeleftinthewoodstobefoundbyanyone.He’dbetossedona

funeralpyre,aswastheircustom.

NINE

Bradyarrivedbackatthecompoundundetected,despitecarryingadeadwolfinhisarms.Offering
Rachelasaprizehadcertainlygottentheattentionofalltheeligiblewolves,andthosewhowerenot
fightingstoodonthesidelinesplacingbetsonwho’dwinthecurrentfight.

Injuredwolves,thosewhoclearlyhadalreadylosttheirshot,satlickingtheirwoundsonthe

sidelines.AfrazzledEmmascurriedaroundthem,handingoutbandagesandointments.

Bradydidnotenvyherforhavingtotakecareofthem,butfightswereanoccupationalhazardamong

theirpeople.Atleasttheyhealedquicklyenough.Angryasshemightlook,Emmalovedcaringforthe
sick,andshewasgoodatit.

Bradycameupthebackstairstothewoodendeckwherehisbrotherhadstoodaspresidingjudge

overthefights.“Onedown.We’restillmissingtheother.”HelaidthedeadwolfatAiden’sfeet.

Aiden’slipquirkedupatthecorner,buttheAlphadidnotlookdownatthedeadwolf.“Doyouknow

whohewas?”

“Noclue.Butperhapsshedoes.”BradyangledhisheadtoRachel.
“Identificationwillhavetowait.Getdressedandgetbackoutthere.”Aidenpointedtoapileof

clothessittingonthetablenexttohim.

“Letmejusttalkwithherquickly,”Bradyprotested.
“No.Ifyouplanonjoininginthismess,youcan’tbeseenwithher.Mightlook–”
“I’vebeenaroundherallday,”Bradyinterrupted,ashepulledonapairofsweats.
“Allthemorereasonyou’dwanttofightforhernow.Butyoucan’tbeseenassamplingthe

merchandiseaheadoftime.”

“Abitrudethere,brother.”
“YouknowwhatImean.They’llthinkyou’retakingadvantageofyourposition.”Aidenindicatedthe

remainingwolveswaitingfortheirchancetofight.

“Howfararewegoingtoletthembloodythemselvesforher?”Bradyasked.
“Untiltheysubmit,orcannotgetupontheirownsteam,”Aidenresponded,witharesignedsigh.
“Emma’salreadygotherhandsfulltonight,bythelooksofthings.”Bradyallbutrolledhiseyes

watchinghowquicklyhispeoplehadturnedintoapackofrabiddogsoverthechanceattakingRachelto
mate.Nowonderthepracticehadlastedsolongamongthewolves:anychancetofighthadthemall
foamingatthemouth.

“Idon’tlikethis.”Aiden’seyesremainedfixedonthefightersbelow.“Ourpeoplearehurtingeach

other.Weneedtogettothebottomofthisnow,beforeourwholepackisoutofcommission.”

Brady’sthoughtsshouldhavebeenonhispackandtheirwellbeing,buthecouldn’thelpturninghis

focuselsewhere.HeglancedovertoseehowRachelwashandlingthewholeordeal.She’dbeenseated
nexttoFallonandwasguardedbytwoofhismosttrustedsecurityteam.

WhileFalloncringed,watchingthewolvesbelowlikeatrainwreckshecouldn’ttakehereyesaway

from,Rachelseemedtobetransfixedonagroupofwaitingwolves.Hereyeswerelockedonthem.A
slighttrembletoherlipmadealarmbellsringinBrady’sears.

Ifonlyhecouldgooverandconfirmwhatwasbotheringher...butAidenhadalreadysaidno.Brother

ornot,hecouldn’tdisobeyadirectorderfromhisAlpha.

He’dhavedismissedherlookofconcernifithadbeenjustafleetingglance,butashestudiedtheway

shesatrigidlystillandalmostunblinkinglywatchedthem,hisownwolfroseupprotectively.Shefeared
them.Oratleastoneofthem.

Evenmoreconcerning,thepackofwolvesshewaswatchingappearedtobedoingalltheycouldto

avoidlookingbackather.Sixthsensewouldhavehadthemglancingupatleastonce,feelingtheweight
ofhereyesonthem.

Suspiciousforsure.Somethingwashappening;Bradyfeltitinhisbones.
“Whatdoweknowaboutthoseguysoverthere?”heaskedAiden.“Theoneswaitingbytheedgeof

thebonfire.Threeofthem.”

Aiden’sheadturnedslowly.“Hardtosay.Wehavesomanypacksheretonight.”
“Theyaren’tours,forsure.Andtheylookalmosttoocasual,neitherfightingnorchattinguptheother

singleladiesinthecrowd,”Bradycommented.

“Youthinkthey’relyinginwait?”Aidenasked.
“Certainlyworthfindingout.”Bradycrackedhisknuckles,readyforanotherfight.
“Youstinkofblood,brother.”
“Good.Becauseitisn’tmine.”Hesmiledback.“Itwillgivethemmorereasontopayattentionto

whatIhavetosay.”

“Youwerebornforthis,youknow.”Aidenchuckledandwavedahandtogivehisbrotherleaveto

go.

“That’swhateveryonekeepstellingme.”Bradysteppeddownintothecrowd.Ashewalked,he

noddedtohissecurityteam,thosewolveswho’dbeenloyaltohimandhadbeenmadeprivytotheplan
earlierintheday.

Theyreturnedthenod,andBradysignaledtothemwherehewasheading,holdingtwofingersupand

pointingtohiseyestotellthemtokeepwatch.One-on-one,hewasasurewinner,butthree-on-onewasa
gamblehe’drathernottake.

Hepassedbyabeerkegandfilledupfourglassesbeforeheadingtotalktothetrio.
Theyhadn’tmovedfromtheirspotandwerestillavoidinglookinguptotheareawhereFallonand

Rachelweresitting.

“Firstround’sonme,boys.”Bradygreetedthemwithafriendlysmileandheldoutthebeersin

offering.

Theirlookspaledincomparisontohisgregariouswelcome.
Thetallestofthetrio,adark-hairedguyofSpanish-lookingdescent,snortedloudly.“Don’tbotherus

withyourcheapbeer.Keepmoving.”

Arrogantandcondescending,Bradylaughedtohimself.Justthekindofguyheexpectedtobeplaying

Alphaofthistrio.

“Now,that’snotthespiritofthisgathering.We’resupposedtobeforgingbondsoffriendshipandall

thatbullshit.AmIright?”Bradyheldhissmileasbesthecould.

“IfItakeyourbeer,willyougoaway?”theleadwolfresponded.
“Theyhavetotakesometoo.”Bradychuckled,offeringthebeersagain.
Theothertworemainedquiet.ClearlyDarkHairwastheirleader,thoughhewasn’tthelargestofthe

group.Tohisright,amountainmanwithabeerkegofhisownstoodatleasthalfafoottaller.Hemight
havebeenbiggeraround,butasBradysizedhimup,hestillfelthecouldtakehiminafight.

Theotherwolfwasleanandsharpoffeatures,withanoselikeahawkandmanicurednailsthathad

beenfileddowntoclaws.Thosewereprobablyhisbestweapons,Bradyguessed,ashesizedthatwolf
upforbattle.

Thetriotookhisofferofbeergrudgingly,andeachchuggedtheircupbeforetossingthemaside.
“There,”DarkHairreplied.“We’vehadbeer.Nowgoaway.”

Bradytookanicelongchugofhisbeer,finishingwithaloudbelch.“Yeah.Thisisdefinitelyaneye-

openingexperience,pullingsomanywolvestogetherfromdifferentpacks.”Hecompletelyignoredtheir
requestheleave,choosingtopullsomethingslimyoutofhishair–leftovergorefromhispreviouskill,he
hopedthey’dnotice.Subtlehintstomakethemunderstandhewasnotonetobetrifledwith.“Youlearna
lotfromseeinghowotherwolvesact,especiallywhenthere’sagamelikethisone.”Hepointedtothe
fightingpitstillactivewiththebattleforRachel’saffections.

“Wedon’tcare,”DarkHairgrowled,clearlyunimpressedbyBrady’sattemptatintimidation.
Bradyturnedonhim,lookingthewolfdeadintheeye.“Exactly.Whydon’tyoucare?Whenevery

othereligiblemaleoutthereisknockingthemselvessenselessforapieceoftail.”

DarkHairloweredhiseyesforafractionofasecondbeforeheanswered.“Maybeshe’snotmy

type.”

“Idon’tbelievethatforasecond.”Bradysnorted.“She’swayoutofyourleague.Youshouldbeso

lucky.”Hiseyesbouncedbetweentheothertwowolves.Strong,youngenoughtobeeligible,andin
primephysicalform.Butthewaytheyglancedateachotherandtheprotectivestanceofthelargerwolf
toldhimallheneededtoknowaboutthem.

“ThemI’dbelieve,”Bradycontinued.“They’reclearlylovers.”Hehopedhe’dassumedrightabout

thelumberjackandthetwink,butevenifhehadn’t,hisrevelationevokedtherightbodylanguagefrom
DarkHairtoconfirmhissuspicions.“You,ontheotherhand,havenoreasontoactasifshedoesn’t
exist.”

“Isitacrimetonotwanttofightforsomeplaythingthat’sbeingdangledinfrontofme?”DarkHair

responded.

HisphrasinghadBrady’swolfclawinguptothesurface,readytomakehimeatthosewords.Rachel

wasnoplaything.Farfromit.Gorgeous,strong,andbraverthanmosttoallowherselftobeputintothis
position.ThatgirlwasmorewomanthanBradyhadevercomeacross,andhenearlylosthimselfwith
angeratthatmoment.Thebeastwasclose,butknowingthathe’dhaveretributionsoonallowedhimto
breathedownthosekillerinstinctsandcontinuehisconversation.

“Mostmenwouldjumpatthechancetoprovehowbadasstheyare,ifnottothewomanupthere,then

totheothersavailableinthecrowd.You,however,havemoreinterestinmysecuritydetailthanthehot
pieceoftailupthere.Unlessyou’dlikemetoarrangeadateforyouandoneofmyguys.”

“Idon’tcareaboutyourhottail.”DarkHairshrugged,thoughthetwitchofhislipprovedBradyhad

struckachord.

“Mytailisprettyimpressive,butIdon’tswingthatway,man,”Bradychuckled.
“That’snotwhatImeant,”theotherwolfblustered.
“Thenwhyareyouhere?”Bradyspearedhimwithanotherglare.Funandgamestimewasover.He

wouldhaveanswersnow.

“I’mheretobepartofagrandcelebration.Packunityandallthatbullshit,asyousoeloquentlyputit

earlier.”DarkHairspokewiththecockinessofsomeonewho’dwontheargument.“Doingmydutyformy
pack.Doesn’tmeanIhavetolikeit.”

ThatgaveBradymoresatisfactionthanifhe’dpunchedthearrogantwolfinthegut.“Thenyoushould

joinmeforsomethingalittlemoreinterestingthansquabblingoversomegirl.”

“We’vealreadytoldyoutogo–”
“Surelyyouwouldn’tdenyasecondsonoftheOldeTown.”Bradyflashedatoothygrinthatshowed

offthesharpnessofhiscanines.Eveninhisnormform,theywerelargerandmuchsharperthanany
human’sshouldbe.Ashelethiswordssinkin,hefinishedwithawink.

AssecondtotheAlphaoftheRegionalpack,Bradyoutrankedprettymucheveryoneassembled,and

DarkHairhadtoknowthat.Evenfromaforeignpack,thepeckingorderwasawell-establishedlinethat
ifcrossedmeantmoretroublethanitwasworth.

Silencefellbetweenthem,onlybrokenbytheoutsidenoiseofthefightsgoingonbehindthem.
Bradywaitedforthemtospeak,anyofthem,butitwasasiftheirthroatshaddriedup.Eachonehad

thedeerintheheadlightslookoffear,andnoneofferedupsomuchasanexcusetobackoutofBrady’s
proposal.

“Youalreadysaidyoudon’tcareaboutwhat’shappeninghere.Solet’sfindawaytomakeyoucare....

aboutsomething.Who’syourAlpha?Whatpackdoyoucomefrom?”

“Look.Wedon’twantanytrouble,”thebiggerguysaid,holdinghishandsupandtakingasidestep

towardhisskinnycounterpart.

“Whatareyournames?”Bradycontinuedhisinterrogation.Withanod,hesignaledthewolvesonhis

securityteam,who’dbeenwatchingfromthedistance,andtheyslowlywalkedtowardthetrio.

BradykepthiseyeslockedfirmlyonDarkHair.
“Weshouldprobably–”Lumberjackbegantosay.
“Bynow,you’verealizedthatwithanod,Icanbringmyentirepackdownonyou.Nodoubtyou’ve

seenthewolvesonsecuritydetailtonight.Eyecandyforsomeofyou;opponentsforothers.”Henodded
atDarkHair.“You’vebeenkeepingclosewatchonthem,fromwhatIcantell,solet’sdropthebullshit.I
wanttoknowwhatyou’redoinghere.Truth.Orthiswillbethelastnightyousee.Understood?”Brady
preparedhimselfforthestrikethatwouldcome.

Backawolfintoacorner,andBetaornot,itwilltrytofightforitsownsurvival.Whathedidn’t

knowwaswho’dbethefirsttomakeanattempt.

“He’sCraig,I’mLouis,andthebigguyisMark,”theskinnyoneofferedup.Hedroppedhishandsto

hissideandassumedasubmissiveposition,loweringhishead.

“FuckingBetawolf,”growledDarkHair,theonecalledCraig.“Justtellthemourwholelifestory,

whydon’tyou?”

“Dude,he’sanAlpha.We’reinhisterritory.I’mnotdyingforyourdumbass,”Louisresponded.
“Smartman,”Bradyquipped.
MarkcrossedbehindCraigandcameuprightnexttoLouis.“Meneither,man.”HeturnedtoBrady.

“We’recool,dude.”

“Hardly,”Bradygrowled.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Wecametofind–”
Craig’shandwentupwithsurprisingspeed,poppingMarkinthemouth,butbeforehishandcame

backdowntorest,Bradylungedforwardandgrabbedholdofit.BradyspunCraigaroundandforcedthe
wolf’shanduphardbehindhisback.

Craigswungwildlywithhisfreehand,buthislimitedrangedidn’tallowhimtolandahit.
“Cametofindyourmate?”BradygrowledinCraig’sear.“Surprisedtoseeheralive?”
“I’mnottellingyoushit,”Craigyelled.
Bradyforcedhishandupsohardheheardapopfromthewolf’sshoulder.
Craigyelpedinpainbutcontinuedtoflailaround,tryingtobreakfreeoftheAlpha’sgrip.“Fuckyou!”
“No,thanks.I’monlyintogirls.”Bradylaughed.
HissecurityguardsreachedMarkandLouis,butwaitedfortheirAlpha’sorderbeforeseizingthem.
“Now,we’regoingtohearthewholestory,orI’mgoingtopassjudgmentrighthereandnow,”Brady

warned.“AndtrustmewhenIsaynoonewillraiseaclawinyourdefense.”

Craiggrowledinfrustrationbutstoppedstruggling.
BradyeyedLouis,ashe’dalreadyprovenhewouldbeeasiesttoextractinformationfrom.“Who

wantstogofirst?”

Louissighed.“Idon’tunderstandwhatthebigdealishere.Craigtellsushismatewentmissing,and

wecameupherewithhimtofindher.Andwhatdowefind?She’sbeingofferedupasaprize.”

“Youdon’thonestlyexpectmetobelievethat,”Bradysnarled.“Ifanyofitweretrue,whydidnoone

bringthisuptotheRegionalAlpha?Whyhasnoonemadeaformalprotest?Instead,you’recasingthe
place,keepinganeyeonsecurity.”

“Threeguysagainsthowmanypacks?”LouiswaggedhisheadashesnappedbackatBrady.“Doesn’t

takegeniustoworkouttheoddsonthatfight.”

Marknudgedhispartner,andLouis’sattitudefaded.
“Soyou’readmittingyourcowardice?”Bradyquipped.
Louisopenedhismouth,butnosoundcameout.
Marksighed.“We’retellingyouwhatweknow.We’refollowingtheordersofourownAlphahere.

Youknowhowthatworks,bro.”

Atleastoneofthemwassmartenoughtoplaynice.
“Now.Letmetellyouanotherstory.Ifindthatgirlbeatenandbloody,leftoutinthewoodstodiein

thesnow.She’sontherunfromadangerousandunscrupulousmate.I’vealreadytakencareofthehitman
responsibleforherdeath,butnottheonewhoorderedit.AndI’mnotonetoleavelooseendsdangling.”

Bradylethiswordssinkin,eyeingthetwowolvesinfrontofhim.Craigstoodseethingwithsomuch

angerthathisbodytrembled,butherefusedtoutterawordeitherindefenseortogiveareasonwhy.
Guiltyascharged,asfarasBradywasconcerned.EvenifCraigtriedtofabricatealie,wolveswere
exceptionallygoodatsniffingthemout.

Theothertwoshooktheirheads.RatherthanmeetwithBrady’saccusatoryglare,theyreflectedthe

samebackatCraig.

Butwhensilencehadgoneonlongenough,Bradybrokeitwiththerestofhisjudgment.“Youthree,

reekingofcowardice,skulkingaroundmypacklikecriminalswhobotchedajob,completewithyour
half-assedstory,arelooseends...whatdoyouthinkI’mgoingtodowithyou?”

Louis’seyeswidenedwithrealization.
Marksighedandputahandonhismate’sshoulder.“Wedidn’tknowaboutwhathappenedtheforest.

Honestly.Craigaskedustohelpfindher.It’snotthefirsttimeshe’striedtoescapehim.”

“Whathappenedthelasttime?”Bradyasked.
“Nothing.Nothing.Wejustbroughtherhome.Iswear.”Mark’stonebetrayedhisfear.
“Whywouldsherun?”Bradyaskedtheobvious.
Louisrolledhiseyesandsaidinexasperation,“Shewasforcedtomarryhim.”
“Obviously.”Bradysnarledattheshowofattitude.
“Sherefusedtosubmittohim,”Markaddedascalmlyashecould.“Andhe’sabitofabastard.But

he’stheAlpha’ssoninourpack.Soshewassupposedto...continuetheline.”

“AndonlyindeathcouldCraigbefreetofindahappier,moresubmissivewife?Doesthatabout

coverit?”Brady’sbloodhadbeguntoboilagain.Racheldeservedsomuchbetterthantobeabroodmate
tothispieceofshit.

Marklookedasifhehadalreadybeencondemnedtodeath.“Look,bro.Idon’tknowanythingabout

thatpart.”

ThatBradybelieved.“No.Youwerejustsupposedtowitnessherdeath.Isn’tthatright,Craig?”He

twistedthearmjustslightly,andCraigyelpedagain.

Bradynoddedtohiswolvesstandingguard.“Takethemintocustody.Thisoneiscomingwithme.”

HeputahandonCraig’sshoulderwhilekeepingtheotherfirmlyinplace,puttingpressureonthe
dislocatedarm,andledhimuptowherehisbrotherstoodkeepingwatchoverthefights.

“I’mthesonofanAlpha.Youcan’tkillme.You’llstartapackwar,”Craigwhimperedashewalked.
Hespokethetruthtosomedegree,butthelawwasclear.He’dorderedthedeathofaninnocentwolf,

andhewouldhavetopaytheprice.Whetherornottherepercussionswouldrippleintoaggression

betweentheterritorieswassomethingAidencoulddealwith.Benefitofbeingasecondson;Bradycould
avoiddiplomacy.

BradybroughtthewolfuptoAiden.“Here’sthemate.Guiltyascharged.Whatwillwedowithhim,

brother?”

Aidencasthiseyesovertheguiltywolfwithcontempt.“Youmakemesick.”
“Itisnotforyoutojudgeme.Bringmebacktomyterritoryandmyfathercanpasssentence,”Craig

demanded.

“SonofanAlpha,eh?”Aidenasked.
CraigpuffedhischestthebesthecouldwithBradystillholdinghimfirmly.“Iam.AndIdemandmy

righttotrialbymyownpack.”

Aidenscoffed.“Thenyouhavebeenraisedtoknowourlaws.ThecrimeisjudgedbytheAlphaofthe

territoryitiscommittedin.”Heshookhisheadandsighed.“Wewolvesareaproudrace.Wedon’thire
peopletomurder.Ifyouwerethatintent,youshouldhavedonethejobyourself.Atleastthenyouwould
beputtodeathforactuallyhavingtheballstocommitacrime.Yourkindofcowardiceisaninsulttoeven
benear.”

“Death?”Bradysmiledathisbrother.
“Throwhimtothewolves,”Aidenreplied.
“No.Thisone’sonme.”HeleanedinandwhisperedinCraig’sear,“Iwantyoutotakeafinallookat

yourmate,andseewhatyouwillneverhaveagain.”

Craig’sheadturnedafractionofaninch.HiswholebodytrembledinBrady’sgrip.AsheletCraig

getthatlastlook,Bradysaid,“Youknow...it’sobviouswhyRachelranfromyou.You’reaweakcoward
whohidesbehindDaddy’stail.Sheneedsarealwolf.Don’tworry.I’lltakegoodcareofher.”

BradyturnedandlookedintothecrowdofwolvesstillscrappingovertheirshotwithRachel.“Hey,

boys,”Bradycalledtothecrowdbelow.

Thefightingstopped,andthetwowolveswho’dbeenlockedinbattlelookeduptoBrady.
“Considerthismyofficialentryintothecontest.”Beforeanyonecouldgetawordin,hesnapped

Craig’sneckwithallhismight,nearlyrippingitfromhisbody,andlethislifelessbodydroptothe
ground.

Inthesilencethatfollowed,Bradyshifteddownintohiswolfandjumpedtothegroundbetweenthe

twofighters.

ThecrowdhushedastheireyesshiftedbetweenBrady,thedeadwolf,andAidenstandingabovethem

all.

Aidenclearedhisthroat.“Ithascometoourattentionthatsomeindividualsattemptedtosetinmotion

aplottomurderthelovelyRachel.Withthatshockingdiscovery,wewillbeforcedtoendthesegames.”

Disappointmentwashedoverthecrowd.Murmursofdissentandangercouldbeheard,especially

fromthosewhohadspenttheirnightfightingfortheirchanceswithRachel.

“Iunderstandyourdisappointment,”Aidensaid.“Butwewillnotallowthreatsonthelivesofanyin

ourcare.Thosewhohavefoughtbravelytonightaretobehonoredandcongratulated.Nodoubttheyhave
proventhemselvestothesingleladiesofourpacks.Sonotallislost.However,seeingthatwedid
promisesomethingspecialforthewinner,Iwillreserveaspaceonmypersonalcouncil,shouldanyof
youwishtocontinuetofightforaprize.”

Bradyshiftedbacktohishumanform.“Ifthatisthecase,Iwithdrawmyentry,asI’malreadyonthe

council.”

Thetwowolveswho’dbeenlockedinbattleeyedeachothersilentlyforamomentasBradywalked

away.

JustashisfeethitthestepsuptowhereAidenstood,heheardthefightcontinue.Bradylaughed.

Wolvesdoloveagoodfight.

“AmIallowedtotalktohernow?”Bradyasked,asheclimbedbackuptohisbrother.
Aidenshookhishead.“WaituntilIsendherinsidewithFallon.Reconcileinprivate.We’vealready

angeredthepack.”

Bradyheavedasigh.“Fine.WhatshouldIdowiththeaccompliceswaitinginlockup?”
“SendthemhometotelltheirAlphawhathappened,”Aidensaid.
“Fine.”Bradybegantowalkaway.
“AndthatRachelwillbebroughtundertheprotectionoftheOldeTown,nomatterthecost.”
“Really?”
Aidenchuckled.“Admitit,brother,youwanther.”
“I’lladmitnothing,”Bradyretorted,thoughhearinghisbrother’sordergavehimmorejoythanhe

couldhaveimagined.

“Youwillintime,brother,”Aidencountered.“Butfornow,takecareofthem.Tomorrowyoucan

claimyourprize.”

“She’snotaprize.”
“Sheisnot,”Aidenagreed.“Butherloveis,”hefinishedwithaslywink.

TEN

Insidethecompound,Bradycleanedupandredressedbeforeheadingdowntothelockup.Theideaof
leavinglooseendsturnedhisstomach,butAidenhadorderedtheirrelease,sohehadtocomply.

“Gosendforacar,”Bradysaid,asheapproachedthewolfstandingguardoutsidetheirroom.
“Butthey’re–”theotherwolfattemptedtoprotest.
“Youweregivenanorder.”Bradygrowledathavingtoexplainhimselftoalesserwolf.“Training

groundstomorrowmorning.Clearlyyouneedarefresheronthechainofcommand.”Hecontinuedon
throughthedoor,havingmadehisdispleasureclear.Theotherwolfscurriedoffashehadbeenordered,
leavingBradytodealwiththetwowolvesintheroom.

Theystoodrespectfullyasheentered,andMarkclearedhisthroatasiftospeak.
Bradyheldupahandtostophim.“Youwillgohome.Tonight.”
Bothmenletoutadeepsighofrelief.
Bradycontinued,“YouwilltellyourAlphathatjusticehasbeendone,andthegirlbelongstotheOlde

Townpackfromthismomenton.”

Marknodded.“Ofcourse.Thankyou.”
“Youwillalsotellthemofourmercytoyou,giventhecircumstances,butremindthemthatourmercy

haslimits.Shouldanyoneelseattempttocrossintoourterritoryagain,theywillfindthesameendas
what’s-his-namedid.”

“Craig,”Louisoffered.
“Idon’tgiveafuck,”Bradyresponded.
“Oh.”Louislookedasifhe’djustbeenslappedintheface.“Hewasimportant.”
“Hewasacoward.Hewasamurderer.Heisnowdead.Endofstory.Andunlessyouwouldliketo

joinhim,you’llgetthehelloffmyproperty.”

MarkseizedLouis’sarmandheldhimfirm.“WeappreciatethemercyoftheOldeTownpack.And

wewilldeliveryourmessage.”

“Good.There’sacarwaitingoutfronttotakeyoutothenearestairport.”Bradyturnedandwalkedout

oftheroom.“Anditshouldnothavetobesaid,butIneverwanttoseeyourfacesagain.Weclear?”

“Crystal!”Markreplied.
He’dexpectedtofeelsomethingaftertakingcareoftheguilty.Somesenseofsatisfaction.Happiness,

perhaps.He’ddonewhathepromisedtodo.Rachelwassafenow.She’dhealedfromherwoundsand
hadanewhomewithhispack.

Butashewalkeddownthequiethallwaytowardhisroom,themosthecouldmusterupwasan

overwhelmingsenseofexhaustion.

EvenwaitingforFallonandRacheltocomeinsidesotheycouldrevelintheirvictorytogether

seemedfartooexhausting.Hecouldalwaysspeaktotheminthemorning.Soratherthanheadbackoutto
themassivereceptionhall,hechosethequieterpathtowardhispersonalquarters.

Afirewasroaringinsidethesmallhearth,castingaglowaroundtheroomthatwelcomedhiminand

warmedthechillintheair.Hedoveintobed,buryinghisheadinthepillows,prayingsleepwouldtake
himquickly,buthismindwastoobusywiththeeventsofthedayplayingoutlikeamovie,sceneby
scene.AndRachel,thestar,lookedevenmoregloriousinhismemories.

Aidenwasright:hewantedher.Buthewantedeverygirlhemet.Bradysnickeredtohimself,

rememberinghisvowtosleephiswayacrossNewEngland.

“Challengeaccepted,”hemumbledtohimself.
Andatthatmoment,asoftknockpulledhimfromhisthoughts.
“Comein,”hesaid,notwantingtolifthimselffromthecomfortofhiswarmbed.
Thedoorcrackedopen,andRachel’sfaceappearedasifhehadwilledhertocome.“Iwantedto

thankyou,”shespokesoftly.

Bradyshotupandboundedtothedoor.Hisheartracedwithsuddenanticipation.“Justdoingmyjob.”
Colorrusheduptohercheeks.“CanIcomein?”
Hesteppedasideandclosedthedoorbehindher.“Issomethingelsewrong?”
“No.Notatall.Everythingisright.Thankstoyou.”Shelifteduptohertiptoesandsurprisedhimwith

akiss.

Theworldstoppedspinning,andinthatmoment,Brady’smindwentblank.Allthethoughtsand

worrieshe’dhad,thebloodonhishands,thejusticehe’dhadtodispense...negativityevaporatedasifit
hadneverexisted.Onlyshewastherewithhim.Herpresencewaslikethemissingpiecetohispuzzle.
Hisheartrestartedwiththesparkofheraffection.

Andbeforehecouldreasonwhyorhow,herhandswrappedaroundhisneck.Nimblefingersweaved

intohishairandgrippedhimtightly.

Oh,God.Thishastobeadream.
Butifitwas,itwasn’tonehewantedtowakefrom.
Herlipspartedagainsthisandsheteasedhismouthwithlittleflicksofhertongue.
Hegrowledappreciativelyandnippedathernimbletongue.
Rachelgiggledandpulledawayjustenoughtomeethiseyes.“Yousavedme.”
Hervoicehadamusicalqualitythathecouldlistentoforever.Andthemischievouslookinhereyes

saidsheplannedonhittingafewhighnotesbeforetheeveningwasover.

Lessermenwouldhavejumpedattheprospectofwhatshewasoffering.Hell,heusuallywasoneof

thoselessermen.Butriskingthelossofhisman-whorecard,hestoppedhimselffromscoopingherup
intohisarmsandthrowingherstraightontothebed.

Inthesilence,hersmilefaded.“What’sthematter?”sheasked.“I’veseenhowyoulookatme.”
He’ddoneplentyofthat.Butthetimingfeltwrong.“Sexisn’tcurrency.”Bradytookastepbackfrom

her,knowingthatifhedidn’t,he’dgiveintotemptation.

“No,”shecountered.“Butit’sagreatwaytoblowoffalittlesteam.”Wordshe’dsaidbeforeto

women.Buthearingthemfromhermouthhadastrangeeffectonhim.

“Idon’tknowwhatyoumighthaveheardaboutme,butIdon’treallygetinvolved―”
Rachelcuthimoffwithanotherquickkiss.“I’mnotaskingforanewmate.Icansensetheconnection

wehave;Ijustthoughtwemightexploreitabitcloser.”

“Nostrings?”heaskedcautiously.
“Unlessyouwantmetotieyoutothebed?”Spokenlikeatruevixen!Thosewordshadhismotor

runningfullspeed.Rachelshimmiedoutofherdress,lettingitpoolonthefloorbelowher.

Excitementandanticipationsentallthebloodrushingsouth,leavingBradyalittlelightheadedashe

watchedhercarefullycalculatedmoves–herbarenakedass,gorgeousthighs,andthegentlebounceof
perkybreastsassheclimbedupandperchedattheedgeofhisbed.

Noman,honorableornot,couldresist.Bradywantedhermorethananythingatthatmoment.Andas

sheagreed,Nostrings.

Hekneltattheedgeofthebedandlookedup,catchinghereyesasiftoconfirmoncemorethatthis

wasokay.

“Iheardyouwerethebigbadwolf,”Rachelpurred,andspreadherlegseversoslightlyforhim.

“Comedevourme.”

Hiscockwokewithfuriousneeduponhearingthosewords,throbbingforattention.Buthe’dmake

sureheliveduptohisreputationfirst.Bradygrowledhungrily,spreadinghercreamythighsfurtherapart,
revealingherbarepussy,glisteningandreadyforhim.Hedrewafingerthroughherwetslit,earninga
moanfromRachelasshearchedherbackandpushedherhipsouttowardhim.

Knowingshewasripeandreadyforthetaking,heburiedhisfacebetweenherlegs,lappinggreedily

atherlittlenub.Herhandscamedownandweavedintohishair,tuggingathimasshemoanedformore.

Perfectionitself,herbodywasdeliciouslyresponsivetoeverytouch.Eachflickofhistonguecaused

atremor;everynipofhisteethearnedapantedgaspofdelight.Andwhenhesentafingerintoherwarm
depths,theslowrollingmoannearlysenthimovertheedge.

Thesoundsofherpleasuremadehiscockacheevenmoreforattention.Hecouldhardlywaittobury

himselfinsidehergloriousbody,buthehadareputationtomaintain.

Thebigbadwolf.
Rachelwrithedwithpleasure.Bradyhitallherrightspots.Moansvibratedthroughherbodytohis

mouthashesuckledandnibbledherclit.Heworkedtwofingersintoherwhilehecircledhernubwith
histongue,increasingthepressureandfrequencytomatchherstaccatobreaths.Shewasclosetotheend.
Hecouldalmostfeelitasifhewererighttherewithher,abouttotoppleovertheedge.

Herbackarchedandherlegsbegantotwitch.Thiswasit.Hehookedherlegsoverhisshoulderand

buriedhisfaceashardashecouldbetweenherlegsandrodeoutherclimax,lappingupeverylastdrop
ofherpleasure.

Herbodywentslackinhisgrip.Heeasedoutfrombelowherandclimbedupintobedalongsideher.

ForafewquietmomentshelayandwatchedRachel,enjoyingthesatisfiedlookonherface.

“Damn.Ineededthat.”Shebrokethesilencewithagirlishlittlelaugh.
“That’ssomethingInormallysay.”Bradyappreciatedherbluntness.
“SoI’veheard.”Rachelrolledovertofacehim.
“Beenlisteningtogossip.Notsurprised.”Heshrugged.Nopointindenyingit.Hedidhavea

reputation.

“Notallgossipisbad.”Shesmiledwickedly.
“Clearly.Oryouwouldn’tbehere.”Bradyrelaxedbackagainstthemattresswithhishandsbehindhis

head,wonderingwheretherestofthenightwouldgo.Hiscockstoodatfullattention,tentinghis
sweatpants.

Rachel’seyesmadetheirwaydownsouthandhersmilewidened.
“MaybeitwasbecauseofyourreputationthatI’mhere,”shesaidslyly.
“Oh,really?”Bradyturnedhisheadinherdirection.
Racheltiptoedherfingersdownhischesttowardthecampsitebelow.“Youdon’tseemtohidewho

youare.It’salloutthereintheopen.”Herhandbreechedthewaistbandofhissweatpantsandcoiled
aroundhiscock.

Brady’seyesrolledbackwardsintohisheadasshegavehimalittlesqueeze.“Nothingtohidehere.”
“Eventhegirlsyou’vebeenwithsaytheyknewwhattheyweregettingintowithyou.”Gently,she

begantostrokehim.“Let’sjustsayIappreciatehonesty.Ihaven’thadmuchofitinmylife.”

Bradybreathedoutamoan.
“That’sgood.Ooh...Imean.Honesty...Ahh.”Hecouldn’tpayattentiontowordswhenhisentire

worldwasherhandaroundhiscock.

Shemusthaveunderstoodthefactshe’dstolenallthebloodfromhisbrain;ratherthancontinueto

talk,sheleanedoverandpressedherhotmouthagainsthisneck,nibblingatthepulsepointwhereallhis
bloodwasdrainingsouth.

Asconfidentashewasinbed,shewasprovingtobejustasmuchanAlpha.
Hiscockhadturnedtostoneinherhandsitwassohard,andthegentlescrapingofherteethatthe

baseofhisneckhadhimnearbreathless.Sheworkedhimintoafrenzythatmadehishipsbuckintime
withtherhythmofherstrokes.He’dnearlygonemadwithneedtobeinsideher,andthensuddenlyshe
wasontopofhim,thatgloriousbodyofhersperchedjustabovehismarblepillar.

Timestoppedashewaitedforhertodescendandgivehiscockthesheathofherhotbody.Wickedly

shewiggledherhips,teasinghim.Whenhenudgedhishipsup,sheliftedaswell,denyinghimentry.Her
paleblueeyessettledonhis,unblinking,daringhimtolookawayortoblink.Shewasincontrolhere,and
shewantedhimtoknowit.

Herelaxedbeneathher,submittingtoherdominance.
Rachelbentforward,capturinghislipsasshedroppedherhips,seatingherselfallthewaydownonto

hishardcockuntiltheirbodiesbecameone.

Thatonemovenearlyfinishedhim,asexcitedashealreadywas.Bradymoanedintoherhotmouth

andRachelswallowedhispleasurewhole.

Shesatup,lettingthefullnessofherbreastsdanceforhimasshearchedbackwards,andbegana

mind-blowingyogi-likerotationofherhips.Hereyesfoundhis,atrueAlpha,asshecontrolledthe
decadentrhythmoftheirbodies.Alreadyclosetocoming,Bradytriedtoholdontothesensationsaslong
ashecouldwithoutlettingthemsendhimovertheedge.He’dbedamnedifhefinishedbeforeshedid,but
itwasclearshewasamasterofsexualacrobatics.

Rockingandgrindingherhipswithbellydancer-likefinesse,sherodehimhardandfast,asifshetoo

werenearinghersecondclimax.Justashewasabouttotoppleovertheedge,thetremorsbegan.She
brokeeyecontact,closinghereyesforlongmomentsashermoansturnedtostaccatobreaths.

Hewasrighttherewithhertoo.Thatlowcoilingspringofpleasure,justwaitingtorelease.
ShebentforwardagainandBradywrappedhisarmsaroundher,pullingherclose,lettinghishipsrise

uptomeethergrindingrhythm.Sheletoutthefirstcry,andthatsenthimovertheedge.Thetight
contractionsofherclimaxmilkedhimtothelastdrop,untilspentandutterlyexhausted,theycollapsed
togetheronthebed.

RachelsettledalongsideBrady,buryingherheadinthecrookofhisarm.Helistenedtothesoundof

herheartbeatasitslowedbackdowntoanormalpace,andforthefirsttime,enjoyedthemomentwithout
thinkingabouthowhewouldgethertoleave.

“Thatwasgood,”shepurred,beforedriftingofftosleepnexttohim.
“Aguycouldgetusedtothat,”Bradymumbledtohimself,knowingwithoutadoubtthathehadfinally

methismatch.

ELEVEN

Light,andtheincessantbuzzofhiscellphone,coaxedBrady’seyesopen.Restforhistypecameintoo-
shortbursts,neverquitesatisfyingbutenoughtorechargehisbatteriesforanotherday.

Thegentlecaressofsleepnearlytemptedhimtodrawthecurtainsclosedandturnoffhisphone,if

onlytohaveafewmoremomentsofnothingness.

Outsidehisroom,otherswoulddemandofhimeverythingexpectedofasecondson.Andhewoulddo

allthatwasrequiredandmore.Lifewasallaboutduty.Helivedforit.Lovedit.

Butinthecomfortandwarmthofhisbed,forthosebriefmoments,Bradyfoughtagainst

consciousness,preferringtolethismattressbeartheweightoftheworldandhisbattle-wornbody.
Betweenfightingandfucking,he’dwornhimselfouttoanepiclevel.Thelatterbeingwellworththe
exhaustion.

Rachelhadsurprisedhim,takingchargethewayshedid.Shewasrefreshinginherhonestyaboutsex,

anduncaringofstationorrank.Shehadaninnerstrengthheadmired,anddidn’tshyawayfromgoing
aftersomethingshewanted.

Somemenmightfindthatintimidating.Nodoubtherpreviousmatehad.Thebastard.Hedeserved

whathegot,adeathbefittinghiscowardice.Somewolveswerenotalphaseveniftheirbloodline
claimedthatrightforthem.

Rachelwasnoordinarywoman.ShetrulyhadanAlpha’sspirit.Tohaveovercomesomuchandstill

bewillingtothrowherselftothewolvesasshedidwasnothingshortofinspiring.

Sheinspiredotherthingswithinhimaswell.
Heletthememoryofhergorgeousbodyplayout,watchingthereplayofhereroticdanceasshe

groundherhips.Thoseperfectbreastsbouncinginhypnoticrhythm.Gods,shewasperfect,andshe’d
givenhimanexperiencehecouldn’twaittorepeat.Andwiththatthought,hefinallyallowed
consciousnesstopullhimoutofthedreamworldsohecouldrolloverandwakeherforroundtwo.

Anotherfirst.Actuallywantingtowakeupnexttoawoman.Bradychuckledtohimselfandchecked

hisbreathinhishand.Wolfnosesbeingwhattheywere,he’dprobablyscareheroffwithhisdragon
breath,buthe’datleastgetina“Goodmorning”beforepoppingofftothebathroomtobrushup.And
then,alittlewakeupsextostartthedayright.

Bradyyawnedandstretchedasherolledover,butstoppeddeadwhenhefoundtheothersideofhis

bedempty.

“Well,that’safirst,”hemumbledtohimself,notquitesurehowtofeelatthatmoment.
Herscentlingeredonthepillow.TheoutlineofherformleftawrinkleinthesheetsliketheGhostof

OneNightStand’spast,butnotashredofclothingremained.Nounderwearballedupinthecornerfor
himtorememberherby.Notevenanotetothankhimforafuntime.Thoughintruth,hereallywantedto
thankher.Butforallhishopingtoseesometrueevidenceofwhathadtranspired,allhehadleftwasan
oddsensationof....

Hecouldn’tevenputawordtothefeeling.
Onenightstandswerebestendedbyquickandpainlessgoodbyes;acraftyexitwhilehewasinthe

shower,ormaybeevenrightafterthedeedhadbeendone.“Thatwasfun,let’sdoitagainsometime,”or
someothervaguepleasantrythatwasmutuallyunderstoodtomean,“Goaway.We’redonehere.”

Hewasoftentheoneurgingwomenoutthedoor.Sometimesbeingtheonetosneakoutinthedarkof

night.Beingontheotherfootfelt...wrong.Andhedidn’tlikeit.

Maybethiswaswhyhisreputationwithwomenwassobad.Whataterriblefeeling!Hadhenotbeen

sosecureinhisabilities,hemighthavethoughthehadn’tbeengoodenough,butthewayshe’dwrithed
andmoanedhisnamethenightbeforewasevidenceenough.He’dmorethansatisfiedher.

Sowhyrunoff?
Thethoughtvexedhim,asdidtheunfamiliarachedtuggingathischest.
Hungerperhaps.Thathadtobeit.Hehadn’teatenmuch,andthebeastneededtobefed.Theworld

wouldmakesenseafterashowerandsomegoodfood.

Hisphonebuzzedonthenightstand,aperfectdistractionfromhiscurrentstateofuncomfortable

feelings.

Tenunreadmessagesfromhisbrother.Eachonereading:
Aiden:Wakeupsleepingbeauty,youhaveworktodo.
Bradychuckledathisbrother’scasualjokebutpickedupontheundertoneofurgency.He’dleftquite

amessthenightbefore.Deadbodies,riggedgames,andhisdisappearingactattheend.

Andthiswasallsupposedtobeaweekendofcamaraderieandteamworkbetweenpacks.
Whoops.

TWELVE

Asitalwaysdid,ashowerwashedawaythesinsofhispreviousevening.Bradyrealizedhe’dlethimself
getcarriedawaywithRachel.She’dbeensmarttoleavebeforedawn.Hadshestayed,they’dprobably
haveenjoyedonemoreroundbetweenthesheetsandthenitwouldhavebeenbusinessasusualforBrady.

Nothinghadchanged.
Hiswasalifeofdutyanddanger.Thepackneededhim,andheneededtheactionthatbeingasecond

sonprovided.Theperfectsymbiosisthatleftlittleroomforanythingelse.

AndRachel,hotasshewas,neededtostarthernewlifenowthatshewasfreeofhermate.
Bradylefthisroomreadytotakeonhisduty.Butfirst,food.
Theonlybenefitofhavingalargepartyattheirnaturepreservecompoundwastheexcessivecatering.

Amorethanacceptablesilverliningtoallthetroublecausedbymassivegatherings.Andiftheystillhad
somebaconormaybefriedhamavailable,he’dkisswhoeverthecookondutywas.

Hiswolfheartilyagreed,addingalittleoomphtohisstepsasheheadeddownthecorridortowardthe

tentkitchens.

“Youdog!”Falloncaughthimoffguard,roundingacornerjustashehitthelobby.Shepunchedhimin

thearmplayfully.“Nailedthatonequick.”

Ittookhimasecondtopickuponwhatshewastalkingabout,butthemomenthedid,thevisionof

Rachel’snakedbodyreturned,andsodidhissmile.“Justfollowingorders.”HewinkedatFallon.

“Whosewouldthatbe?”Falloncockedherheadsideways,butherlookhadmoreaccusationthan

amusementinit.

“Wasn’tityouwhosaidIshouldsleepmywayacrossNewEngland?”Heheldupafingerandmadea

quickslashofacheckmarkintheair,andfinishedwithalaugh,butthatuncomfortableachingtuggedat
hischestwhenthevisionofRachelvanishedjustasshehadthatmorning.Heneededtotalktoherand
makesurethingswerecoolbetweenthem.Self-proclaimedkingoftheone-nighters,Bradyhadn’t
intendedtosleepwithRachelatall.She’dbeenmated,atabooevenherespected.Evenifhermatewas
dead,proprietydemandedhewaituntilthebodyhadgonecoldfirst.Notthathe’dintendedanyofthatto
happen.Damn.Themorehethoughtaboutit,themorefuckedupthesituationwas.Andhecouldn’tshake
thatannoyingfeelingwhisperinguncertaintiesinhismind.Hecouldbeadog,nodenyingthat,buthedid
havehonor.Whathe’ddonehadnotbeenhonorable.Buthecouldmakethatright.Hejustneededtotalk
withher.

“AndhereIthoughtyoulikedher.”Fallon’ssmilefadedasshestaredathimasifexpectingan

explanation.

Godshelpherfuturechildren.Fallonhadtheangrymotherlookdownpat.
Bradyheavedasigh.Hewasn’tabouttogetallemotionalinfrontofFallonandletherinonthebattle

goingoninhismind,butthewayherdemeanorchangedhearinghisjokemadehimsearchforawayto
cleartheair.“Ido.But.YouknowI’m...”

“Asexaddict?”Fallonfinishedhissentenceforhim.
“Partly,yeah,”Bradysnickered.“I’mjustnotthesettlingtype.Ilovewomen.Allwomen.”Hehoped

she’dacceptthatfornow.Heneededawayoutoftheconversationandquick,sohecouldgosalvage
someofhishonor.

“Itdoesn’tworklikethat.”Fallonrolledhereyes.

“Ittakesallkinds.”Bradyshrugged,notknowingwhattosay.
ClearlyhisresponsefailedtosatisfyFallon.Hertonesharpened.“Itmakesyouagreatbigdick.”
“Well,Idohave–”
“Shutup,”Fallonbarkedathim.“Sheseemslikeanicegirl.Don’t...okay...justdon’t!”
Bradyhelduphishands,notsurewhathe’ddoneorsaidthathadriledherupsomuch,though

admittedlyhismindhadbeenelsewhereformostoftheconversation.Buthedidn’tdeserveherspite.He
hadn’tevenmadetheadvanceonRachel.She’dcomeknockingathisdoor.Shethrewherselfathim.But
couldhetellFallonthat?Evenifhedid,atthispointshe’dalreadymadehermindupaboutthesituation.
“Sorry.I’llbecool.I’mnottryingtomakenewenemies.Okay?”

“Justforaminute,tryandthinkwithyourbighead...okay?”Fallonsighed.
“Yes,ma’am.”Bradysaidwithacheesysmile,hopingtolightenhermood.
“Andyourbrotheriswaiting,”sheaddedpointedly.
“DoIgettostopforbreakfastfirstbeforeIgobeforethefiringsquad?”
“Maybeifyou’dgottenupatadecenthour,sure,butwefinishedbreakfastawhileago.”
Hisshouldersslumped.“Somuchforfood.”
“I’llbringyouacoffeeifyoulike.Lunchwon’tbereadyforanotherhour.”
Atleastthesnarlhadlefthervoice.Bradycountedthatasablessing,thoughhewouldn’tputitpast

herspittinginhiscoffee.Somehowhe’dmanagedtogetonherbadsidewithouttrying.Whatthehellwas
wrongwithhim?Hadhebrokenhismojowithwomen?

“Thanks.Blackwithasmuchsugarasyoucanpourinthecup.I’mexhausted.”Heflashedherhisbest

smileandadded,“Prettyplease.”

Fallonturnedaway,mumbling,“Threeguesseswhy”asshewalkedaway.
Thatwasalowblow.Asidefromtheveryfunandtotallyunexpectedsex,he’dspenttheentirenight

beingthesecondsonofthepack,doingallthattitleentailed–chasingdownroguewolves,fightingtothe
death,andexecutingtraitors.Hisnighthadbeenprettyfuckingbusy.Butknowingbetter,hekepthismouth
shutandcontinueddownthehallwaytowardsAiden’soffice.Hehopedthereceptiontherewouldbe
friendlier.Atleasthisbrotherwouldn’tgivehimcrapforsleepingwithsomeone.Andthenhe
rememberedleavingacorpseathisfeet.Thatmightgethimasmackonthesnoutwitharolledup
newspaper.

Bradylaughed,tryingtoimaginehisbrotherdoingjustthat,andithelpedtoeasethegnawingsenseof

dreadhehadasheknockedonAiden’sdoor.

“Getinhere,”Aiden’svoicecarriedloudlythroughthewoodendoor.
Roundtwo.Bradysighedandenteredhisbrother’soffice.
AidenlookedastiredasBradyfelt.Pinchingthebridgeofhisnoseashespokeonthephonepacing

thelengthofhisoffice,Aidenhadthehaggardlookofamanwho’dspenttheentirenightputtingoutfires.

“Thatisnotforyoutodecide,”Aidensnarledintothephone.
Bradylistened,hopingtocatchtheotherendoftheconversation,butbeforehecouldhearanother

word,hisbrotherendedthecall.

“Somuchforpeace.”Aidenblewoutabreathandthenlookedtohisbrother.“Thatgirlofyourswas

morethanjustsomerandommate.”

“Shewasabroodmate.Weknewthatalready.”Bradyshrugged.“Oldnews.”
“Yes–shewassupposedtofurthertheMarsdenlineofsuccession.”
“You’reshittingme,right?”ThenewshitBradysmackintheface.“Marsden.AsinCharlesMarsden,

RegionalAlphaoftheRufusReds?”

“Thesame.Yes.”
“Fuckme!”BradycollapsedintoachairoppositeAiden’sdesk.“Pleasetellmewedidn’tkilloffthe

nextinline?”Bradystruggledtoremembertheasshole’sname.“Chris,Casey,Craig...thatwasit.”

“Thankfully,no.Youdidnotkillthenextinline.Hehadtwoolderbrothers,buthewasstillpartof

theAlphafamily,”Aidensaidwithaheavysigh.

“Andnowthey’remad....”Bradyledthetrainofthought.
“Madwouldbeanunderstatement,”Aidenscoffed,ashecontinuedtopacetheroom.
“Well,theyshouldbeforraisingsuchacoward.”Bradylookeddownathishands,rememberingthe

weightoftheheadashesnappedthebastard’sneck,endinghislife.He’ddonetoomanyinthepast,part
ofthejobofbeinganenforcer,butneverhadhesononchalantlyendedonesohighborn.Wolfroyalty,as
itwere,deservedalittlebitmorecourtesywhenitcametotheirdeath.

“That’sbesidethepoint.FromwhatIunderstand,theyknewthematingwasunhappy.Itwasa

businessdeal.Shecomesfromanextremelystronglineofwolveswhowerelookingtomoveupinthe
world.She’dbeenofferedalifeofluxuryinexchangeforherposition.”

“That’sahorribleposition.Norealpowerinthepack.Usedforbreeding.Hardlywortha

comfortablehouseandafewdollarsinherpocket.”

“Wolveshavebeendoingithappilyforyears.”Aidenshrugged.“It’snotourplacetojudgewhat

happensoutsideofourterritory,deplorableasitmaybe.”

“Idoubtanyoneacceptsthatfatehappily,”Bradyaddedwithasnarl,imaginingthekindoflifeRachel

hadled.

“Youdon’thavetoarguewithmeoverthis.Westandunitedhere.Thatpracticeisbannedinour

territory.However,withtheReds,itisstillsomewhatcommon.Andfromwhattheyhadtoldme,Craig
hadotherwomenonthesidetosatisfyhisextracurricularactivities.”

“BecausehavingabeautylikeRachelwasn’tenough.”Bradyalmostsnortedwithlaughter.“Talk

aboutgreedy.”

“Guiltfallsonbothpartiesforthefailureoftheirmating.CharlesspokeatlengthaboutRachelbeing

toostrong-willedtoacceptherplace.Shewouldnothavehim.”

“Doyoublameher?”Bradyasked.Theideawasludicrous.“Hewasacowardandanasshole.”
“Right.”Aidenchuckledandnearlyallowedasmiletobreakthroughhisseriousexpression.“But

apparentlyshewassleepingaroundthepack.AndagirlthatCraigwassupposedlygoingtonameasa
mistressendedupdead.”

“Threeguesseswhotheyblamedforthatone.”
Aidenshookhishead.“Whetherthechargesaretrumpedupornot,theyclaimshewasontherunfrom

adeathsentenceintheirterritory.They’reorderingustohandoverthegirlandareblamingusforthe
deathoftheirson.”

“Soundslikesomeoneisspinningatalltaletosaveface.”
“Bethatasitmay,”–Aidenfinallystoppedpacingandtookhisseatbehindhisdesk–“weshould

findoutmoreinformationifwecan.Asitstands,theywantthegirlonaplanenow,andbackintheir
territorytofacejudgmentbyevening.”

“Or?”
“Theyarepreparedtotakeherbyforce.”
“Theycan’thaveher!”Bradyfoundhimselfstandingbeforehe’deventhoughttomakeamove.They

couldcomepryheroutofhiscold,deadarms.Nowayinhellwashesendingherbacktothemtobe
killed.

“Relax,brother.I’mnotsendingheranywhere.I’mnotgoingtogiveintoanydemandsfromtheir

territory,butIdowantyoutoinvestigatefurtherintoRachel’sstory,”Aidensaid.“Findthetruthbetween
thestoriesbothpartiesaretelling.”

He’dalwaysadmiredhisbrother’slevel-headedapproachtothings,andthefactthatheconsidered

Brady’sfeelingsinthematter.Thatmutualrespectwaspartofwhytheyworkedsowelltogether.“I’lldig
upwhatIcan.Butitmaytakealittletime.Canweaffordit?”

“Youtakecareoflearningthetruth,andprotectthatgirl.Keepherunderlockandkey.I’llmanagethe

diplomacyasbestIcan.Andoncewefinishtherevelryfestivities,wecanturnourfullattentionto
dealingwiththeReds.”

“I’monit.”BradyturnedtowardthedoorjustasitopenedandfoundFallonstandingwithtwocupsof

coffeeinherhands.“Goingtohavetotakethisonetogo,”hesaidandswipedahotmugashewalked
away.

THIRTEEN

ItwouldhavebeenbeneficialforBradytoaskwhereRachelhadbeenassignedbeforeleavingAiden’s
office,buthalfwaytothecafeteriathathadbeensetupoutdoorsfortheevent,itwastoolatetoturnback
nowandpossiblywalkinonhisbrotherandFallondoingtheirthing.Therestofthepackwouldn’tdare
bargeintotheofficeunannounced,butmorethanonce,he’dwalkedinonthematedpairdoingmorethan
paperworkontheoldmahoganydesk.Notasighthecaredtoseeagain.

Andhungerhadhiswolfclawinguptothesurface.Thebeastneededtobefed.
Bradysluggedhiscoffeeandcrossedtheyard,returningtohisoriginalplanofgettingabitetoeat

beforestartinghiswork.

Lunchmightnothavebeenreadyyet,butthetantalizingscentofcookingmeatcalledhimtobehindthe

flapsofthemakeshiftcafeteriatentlikeasirenpromisinghisheart’sdesire.

Whoneededfullycookedmeatanyway?Thewolfateitrawandbloody,lettingtheirongivedepthto

themeat’sflavor.

Salivatingashepartedthetentflaps,readytoeatanythingcloselyresemblingfood,Bradycalledout

“What’sforlunch?”asheentered.

Wolvesonhissecurityteamstoodatattention,leavingbowlsofhalfeatenstewsteamingonthetable.
Hecoulddowithabowlorthreeofthat.Bradystaredhungrilyashewalkedthelengthofthetent.
“Relax,boys,I’monlyhereforthefood,”hesaidcongenially,noddingtoafewofthewolvesashe

passedthem,butthelookshereceivedinreturnwerelessthanhappy.

Sourfacesanddisgruntledmurmursweretheresponsetohisgreeting.
Howhadhemanagedtoannoysomanypeopleinsuchshortatime?Bradywondered.Girlshecould

understand,butthemenofhissecuritygroup?Couldlastnight’sgamesreallyhavemeantthatmuchto
them?Surelynot;mostwerealreadymated,ineligibleforaprizelikeRachelevenifshehadtrulybeena
prize.

“What’sgotyourpantiesallupinabunch?”Bradymettheangriestofthegroupheadon.Jordan.

Excellentinafight,andfromastrongfamily.Butregardlessofhisstrength,hewasasoldier,andBrady
hisleader.Appealingtothenatureofhiswolf,helockedeyesasanAlphademandingrespect.“Ifyou’ve
gotaproblemthenspeak.”

“Wasthatallasetup?”Jordanreplied,holdingeyecontactwithBradyarrogantly.
“Yes,”Bradysaidwithouthesitation.Hungryandfeelingchallengedbyhissubordinate,histemper

restedonaknife’sedge.Hiswolfwelcomedafight,butthehumanhalftemperedthatangerslightly.“I
foundthatgirlbeaten,bloody,andmomentsfromdeath.Ihadtodowhatwasnecessarytoweedoutthe
guiltyparties.”

Jordanloweredhiseyesinsubmission.“Andyoucouldn’ttrustustoknowthosedetails?”
“I’llbehonestwithyou.Ididn’tknowwhototrust.We’reoverrunwithwolvesforthisfestivalright

now.Earsarealwayslistening.WhatwouldhavehappenedifIhaddivulgedourplanandthewrong
personheard?”Bradyasked,stillstaringJordandowndespitethelesserwolfalreadyshowing
submission.

Jordanshruggedinresponse.
“Exactly.Evenamongmymosttrusted,Icouldnotspeakforfearofthewrongearspickingitup.

Don’tbesobutt-hurtaboutit.”Bradyrolledhiseyesandturnedawaytocontinuehisstrolltowardthe

buffettables.

“Nooneisbutt-hurt.”AngerreturnedtoJordan’stone.
“Really?”Bradyturnedonhimsofastitcausedothersaroundtojumpbackwardstogetoutofhis

way.“Becausethat’sallIseehere.Abunchofsourfacesoverawomantheydidn’tget.Howwouldyou
bethismorningifoneofyouhadgottenherovertheothers?WouldyoushunMatthewoverhereifhe’d
bestedyouandgottheprize?”Bradypointedafingeratawolfwho’dalreadyreturnedtohisstew.

“Butyoudidclaimher,”Jordanresponded.“Hersmellisalloveryou.”
Bradyhadhadenoughofthisconversation.“Thenchallengemeforher.Goon,ifyou’reabadenough

wolf.Otherwisesitdownandshutthehellup.”

ForamomentitlookedasifJordanwantedtoactonthechallenge,butthenheloweredhisheadand

satdown.

Bradyblewoutabreath.Heknewhecouldhavehandledthingsbetter,buthungerhadhimnearferal

atthemoment.Anddespitehisaggressiveattitude,Jordanwasatrustedmemberofhisteam.Nowwas
notthetimetofightamongthemselves.Heneededhispeopletobereadyincaseshithitthefan.“Look.
Shewasn’tminetoclaim.”

Thatearnedhimafewside-eyesandacoupleofwolvescoughingtheword“Bullshit.”
“Yeah,Isleptwithher.Bejealousifyoumust.Butshecameafterme.AndI’mnotformallyclaiming

her.Andthat’sthelastIwillsayonthematter.”

Rachel’ssmelldidstillclingtohimlikeasecondskin,evenafterashower.Bradymorethan

understoodtheirannoyancewithhim.Buthewouldnottolerateitcausingabreakdownintheirgroup.

Redirectingtheconversation,headded,“Sheisherownwolf.Andsheisstillindanger.Aswe

speak,moreassassinsareprobablyheadingthiswaybecausethemanshewaslinkedto,theAlpha’sson,
diedatmyhands.Soifwecanallstopfightingamongstourselves,Ineedmyteam.Mytrustedguys.
That’syouall,incaseyourheadsarestilltoofarupyourassestorealizethat.We’vegotanothermission.
Who’supforit?”

Asiftheanimosityhadneverbeenthere,thesourfacesofthewolvesaroundhimfaded.Onebyone

theyturnedtoBradyandnodded.

“Good.NowitseemsthosewolvesIkilledlastnightbelongtotheReds.Theirpackisgoingtobe

sendingmorewolvesinafterthem,andwestillhaveonefinalcelebrationtonight.Ineedextraeyesand
earsouttherelookingfortrouble.Lookingforstrangers.Ourdisadvantageisthefactwehavemorenew
facesthanwe’reusedtohavingaroundhere,andthatleavesusvulnerabletoattack.Addtothattheease
oftravelourenemieshave.Itonlytakesafewhourstoflyupnorth,sothosenewfacescouldbefiltering
intoourcrowdsbyearlyafternoon.”

“You’reaskingtheimpossible,”Jordanargued.
“Iam,”Bradyagreed.“Butwehavetodoitanyway.Iwantanyoneactingquestionablebroughtto

lockupimmediately.Wewillallownoroomforerror.”

“Andwhatofthegirl?”
“She’llhavetobeunderguardtoo,”Bradyanswered.
“Inlockup?”
Hewantedtosayyes,butinstincttoldhimthatshewouldbebetterusedinpublicview.Notonly

wouldshebeabletospotmembersofherformerpack,butshewouldalsodrawoutthosewhohadbeen
sentafterher.“Shewillbewithme.”

Themomenthesaidit,heexpectedthecommentswhisperedbetweenangrywolves.
“Unlessyou’dliketoputyourselvesinthelineoffire.Assassinsdon’tcarewhotheykilltoreach

theirtarget.”

“We’renotafraidofso-calledassassins,Brady,”Jordancountered.

“Neversaidyouwere.Iwasgivingyouachancetosaveface,becauseI’mnotgoingtoarguethis

point.Rachelstayswithme.”

Joranlookedasifhewantedtosaysomethingelse,butthoughtbetterofitandansweredwithasilent

nodinstead.

“Wehaveajobtodo,”Bradyshoutedlikeawarcry.
“Wewilldoit.WearetheOldeTown!”Thewolvesshoutedbackloudlyenoughforthewhole

compoundtohear.

“Yes,weare.”Bradyanswered.“IknowyouwillmakemeandourAlphaAidenproud.”

FOURTEEN

Withthemobdistractedbyduty,Bradywasabletofinallygrabhimselfsomethingtoeatandtheworld
againmadesense.Civilasthehumanhalfofhimwas,thewolfcouldbeequallysavage.Abitofmeatand
somefillingveggies,andthebeastretreated,allowingBradyaclearheadtocontinuewithhisassigned
mission.

Stillunsureofwheretostart,BradyretracedhisstepswithRachel,visitingalltheplaceshe’dtaken

her.

Withthepacksstillassembledforthefestivities,thelobbywasacentralmeetingplace,filledwith

wolveshedidn’trecognize.

Thesecuritycorridor,offlimitstomost,hadonlyonewolfstandingguard.Rachelcouldn’thave

passedwithoutanescort,sohecrossedthatoffhislistofplacestolook.

Hedoubtedshe’dbeengivenoneofthecabinstostayin.PackedastheyallwereintheOldeTown’s

naturepreserve,thevisitingwolveshadthembookedpriortoherarrival.Shehadtobeindoors
somewhere.

Hewasjustabouttoheadtowardthecouncil’spersonalroomswhenthesoundoflaughtercaughthis

ears.

Ofcoursethey’dbetogether,Bradythoughtasheturnedtowardtheinfirmary.Moregigglesand

laughterbehindthedoorconfirmedthatRachelwasinsidewithEmma.

HispastwithEmmawascommonknowledge.Hell,mostofthepackknewhesleptaround.They

didn’tcare.WomenlovedBrady,andhelovedthem...onenightatatime.

Emmahadwantedmore.He’dnevermeanttohurther;he’dbeenclearhewasnottherelationship

type.Butshe’dneverreallyforgivenhimforit.Ifanygirlinthepackdeservedagoodmate,itwas
Emma.Buthejustcouldn’tbethatmanforher.Anddespitehisoutwardcockyarrogance,apartofhim
wishedhecouldhavebeen.

Professionally,theynevermentionedit.Asmembersofthecouncil,theyhadtogetovertheirpersonal

issuesforthegoodofthepack.

Likesqueezinglemonjuiceintoanopenwound,EmmaworkingsocloselywithRachelandprotecting

herhadtobeirritating.

Bradybracedhimselffortheworstashepushedopentheinfirmarydoor.
EmmahadRachellaidoutontheinfirmarybedandwasdrawingvialsofblood.
Apprehensionaside,seeingRachellyingtheremadehimflashbacktotheeveningbefore.Hiseyes

immediatelysweptherbody,takingtimetoappreciatethelengthofherlegsandthelusciouscurvetoher
hips.Foramomentheforgotwhyhe’dcome;hismindtookasidetripstraightintofantasylandwhilehis
eyescontinuedtotakeinventoryofallhergorgeousassets.Butbythetimehereachedherface,reality
broughthimhome.Hehadajobtodo.

“GladIfoundyou,”Bradystartedtosay,butEmma’sdisapprovingrolloftheeyesstoppedhimfrom

finishinghissentence.

“We’rebusyhere.Planyourseconddatelater,please.”Emmasetthelastofthreevialsofbloodinto

atryandpickedupherclipboardasifusingittoemphasizeherpoint.

Hebitbacktheinsultthreateningtoleapfromhistongue.Nodoubthersnarkyattitudewasbornof

jealousy.Shewasentitledtothat,giventhecircumstances.

Rachellookedasifshe’dbeencaughtred-handed.Nodoubtshe’dbeengossiping.Womenwere

alwaysgoodforthat.Menwerealwaysblamedforbeingbraggartsandpigswhenitcametowhothey
sleptwith,butitwasclearwhohadtheloosestlipsatthemoment.FirstFallon,thenAiden,halfhis
securityteam,andnowEmma.Whohadn’tshetoldabouttheirnight?

Buthegottreatedliketheasshole.
“Youknow,assassinsareontheirway.TheRedswantyouback.”BradyjabbedafingeratRachel.

“YouforgottomentionyourmatewasthesonoftheRegionalAlpha.Thanksforthatlittlebitof
knowledge.”BradytunedhisangertoEmma.“Butallyouladiesseemtocareaboutisgossip.Well,you
haveplentytotalkaboutnow.Havefunwiththatinformation.I’mout.”Bradyturnedtowalkaway.

“Wait!”Emmacalledout.
Bradysmiledtohimself,butwipedtheemotionfromhisfacewhenhelookedback.
“Don’tbeadick,Brady,”Emmahuffed.“Explain!”
“Idon’tknowifIshould.Youladiesarenotbeingverynicetome.”Bradystrolledovertothebed

andpulledupastool.“MaybeweshouldletRacheldotheexplaining.”

Emmasetherpaperworkdown,lookingcuriousbutnolessannoyed.“Someonebetterstarttalking,or

itwillbeyearlyphysicalexamtime.WheredidIputthoserectalthermometers?”

BradyscootedhisseatfurtherawayfromEmma,chucklingatherabuseofpower,butnotwantingto

begivenherspecialbrandofwhiteglovetreatment.

Rachelsighedandturnedawayfromthemboth,asifashamedofwhatshewasrevealing.“Yeah,

CraigwasanAlpha’sboy.”

“The,”Bradycorrected.“CraigMarsdenwasthesonoftheRegionalAlphaoveralltheSouthEast

territoriesoftheUnitedStates.”

“Whatever.Hewasstillajerk,”Rachelgroaned.
“Nodoubtsaboutthat,”Bradyagreed.“Butclarifyinghisexactpositionputsitintoperspectivejust

howbadthissituationis.”

RachelmetBrady’seyes,andhecouldseethetearswellingup.
“Iwasforcedtobehismate.Andhewascruel.”Rachel’svoicewarbledwiththestrainofkeeping

heremotionsincheck.

“And...?”Bradysatwaitingformore.Noneofthiswasnewinformation.Painfulasitwas,knowing

thelifeshehadled,therewerestillgapingholesinthepuzzlethatneededtobefilledinbeforethetruth
couldbeunderstood.

“That’sit.Iwantedout.Iwasmiserable.Theywantedmetobeabroodmate.”Rachel’supperlip

trembledasshespoke.

EmmarolledherchairaroundtothesideofRachel’sbedandpulledherintoahug.“That’sterrible.I

wouldwantouttoo.”ShegentlystrokedRachel’shairandlookedupatBradywiththemeanestglareshe
couldmuster,screamingathimwiththepowerofhereyesforproddingthisgirlaboutapainfulpast.

Makinghercryhadn’tbeenhisintention,butthefactshedidgavetruthtoherwords.Still,thoughhe’d

belabeledanassholeforpressingon,hisjobwastofindanswers.

“Whathappenedtothewolfontheside?”Bradyasked.“Craig’smistress?”
ThatsoftenedEmma’shatefulglare.ShepulledbackfromthehugandlookedRachelintheface.

“Anotherwolf?”

“Hehadsomanyitwashardtocount.”Rachelsniffledandwipedherface.“Hewaspartofthebig

packandpromisedwhoevergavehimanheirhe’dmakehismate.”

“Buthewasalreadywithyou,”Bradysaid.“Youwerealreadyabondedpairintheeyesofthepack.”
“Iwasremindedofthatfacteverytimehetriedtomatewithme!”Sheturnedandsnappedathim.
“Whatabouttheothers?”Bradyglaredbackather.
Rachel’sfacedarkened,turningredwithguiltbeforesheburiedtheevidenceofitinherhands.

“IknowIwasn’tyourfirst.Couldn’tbe.Youwereexceptionallyskilled.”Bradymeantitasa

complimentandfailedtorealizehowthosewordsmightsoundtobothwomenintheroomwhomhehad
sleptwith.

“Dog!”Emmawhisperedunderherbreath.
Hedeservedthat.
“Youknow,whenaguysleepsaround,it’sjustfine.Butwhenagirlhasasexualappetite,she’s

nothingbutaslut,”Rachelshotbackindefense.

Bradythrewhishandsupinsurrender.“I’mallforpromiscuityamongthesexes.Don’tthinkI’m

judging.”Girlaftermyownheart,Bradylaughedtohimself,buthekepthisfaceneutral.

Emma,ontheotherhand,rolledhereyesandturnedawayfromthembothwithahuff.
“See?”Rachelsaid.“She’salreadyjudgingme.”
“Shejudgesmeeveryday.Getoverit.”Bradysnorted.“Soyouhadothermen?Idon’tcareabout

them.WhatIneedtounderstandisthewhy,andhowitaffectedthepack.”

“Ididn’tfeelIwasmatedtoCraig.Ididn’twanthim.Heclearlydidnotwantme.Itwasacontract

dealbetweenpackssomyfamilycouldriseinstation.Wedidn’tevenhavearealceremony.Iwasjust
movedintothebighouseandCraigthrewhimselfatme.”

“Andyoudeniedhim?”ThatimpressedBradymorethananything.
“Ihadtodomyjobafewtimes.ButIdidmybesttokeepadistance.ItwasobviousIdidn’twantto

bewithhim.Andmyjobwasmakingbabies.That’swhereIdeniedhim...accordingtothepack.”

“Andtheothers?”
Hehadn’tmeantittosoundsoinsensitive,buttheminutethequestionlefthislipsRachel’seye

widenedwithanger.

“Theotherswerejustothers.Leaveitatthat,”Rachelgrowled.
“Again.Nojudginghere,”Bradysaid.“I’maskingforclarification.Ihavetoknowthefacts.”
“Sometimesothersinthefamilytooktheirprivilege,”Rachelmumbled,hangingherheadlow.“So

anychildIhadwouldcarrytherightbloodline.”

“Wait...theypassedyouaroundthefamily?”Bradyasked,shocked.
“I’dlovetosayitwashorrible,butsomewerekindtome.Theyofferedprotectiontoo...”Shetrailed

off.

Protection.ThatkeywordwasnotlostonBrady:sexusedascurrencytoensuresafety.Italladded

uptoonesadlifehewouldn’twishonhisworstenemy.

Emmaturnedbackaroundwithasigh.“Ihavenoreasontojudge.Ican’timaginethelifeyouhadto

lead,beingmatedbyforcetothatjerkandhisfamily.”

“AndItriedtoleavemultipletimes.EvenbeggedCraigtosayIwasdeadandletmego,”Rachel

said.

“Buthecouldn’t?”Bradyasked.
“Hewouldn’t.”Rachel’stoneturnedbitter.“Iwashisprize.Hisuntilhesaidotherwise.Hewasn’ta

goodman.Alwayssenthisgoonstocomeafterme.”

“Thenwhykillyouthistime?”Emmaasked,beforeBradycould.
“BecausehislatestgirlfriendandIgotintoafight.AndIwon.”AnoteofpridetwistedRachel’s

angryvoice.“Shechallengedmeopenly.Itwasafairfight.Iwon.”

“Witnessed?”Bradyasked,knowingexactlywheretheconversationwasheadingandnotlikingitone

bit.

“Yes,”Rachelreplied.“ByCraigandhisboys.Theyweretakingbetsandeverything.ButwhenI

won,theyspunadifferenttaleandhadmebroughtuponmurdercharges.”

“Soyouran?”Bradyaskedtheobvious.
“Andtheyfollowed.”Rachelnodded.

Noneofthatshitwouldhavegonedowninhisterritory.ButthatwastheproblemwiththeRegional

systemtheyhadinNorthAmerica:eachpackhadtherighttoruletheirterritoryastheysawfit.Andthe
Redswereafarcryfrommodern.

“Morearecoming,”Bradywhisperedunderhisbreath.
“I’msorry.”SadnessreturnedtoRachel’svoice.
“Don’tbe.Ifwhatyousayistrue,thenyouhavesanctuarywithushere.You’resafehere.”Brady

hopedtosoundreassuring,butheknewthatherstorywasoneoftwothatwouldbespun.Andevenif
RachelsworeonastackofBibles,itwouldbetheRegionalAlpha’swordthatcarriedtheweight.
Retributionwascoming.“Startingnow,yousticktomelikeglue.Getup.We’vegotthingstodo.”

“Wait.What?”Emmasoundedshocked.
“Ifshe’sgotpeoplehuntingher,bettersheberightnexttomewhereIcanprotectherthanhidingaway

somewhereonthecompound.Westillhaveonemorenightofrevelrytogobeforethisplaceclearsout.”

“Butwhatifshedoesn’twanttobegluedtoyoualldaylong?”Emmaasked.
“I’mnotputtingyouinthelineoffireeitherbylettingyoubabysither,”Bradysaid.Emmamightget

underhisskin,butshewashispackmate,andprotectingherwasjustasmuchhisdutyasprotecting
Rachel.

“Chivalryain’tdead,Iguess,”Emmaobservedsnarkily.
“It’sfine.I’llhangwithBrady,”Rachelsaid.“Iffornothingelse,toshuthismaleegoupsincehe

clearlythinkswewomencan’tfight.”

Bothgirlschuckledasiftheyunderstoodsomeinsidejokehewasn’tgetting.
Hedidn’thavetimetoplacatehurtfeelings.Histhoughtswerealreadyonsecurityanddealingwith

thenight’sactivities.

“Good.AndEmma,pleasebereadyformoreinjuriestonight.Nomatterhowmanytimeswetryto

avoidthem...”

“We’reallstillbeasts.Iknow.Lastnight’sbloodbathwasevidenceenough,”shesighed.
“Rachel,ifyou’reready?”Bradydidnotwaitheturnedandopenedthedoor.

FIFTEEN

“Wherearewegoing?”Rachelasked,asshetrailedbehindBrady.

Hismindraced,playingoutscenariosofpotentialassassinsinfiltratingtheevening’sfestivities.The

easeoftravelmeantonlyafewshorthoursbetweensomeonebeingassignedandarrivingtocomplete
theirtask.Helookeddownathiswatch.Wolvescouldbelandingatthenearestairportatthatvery
moment.HeprayedAidenhadplayedthediplomacycardwellenoughtobuythemmoretime,buthe
seriouslydoubtedit.

IfCharlesMarsdenwasrunninghispackasdirtyasitseemed,he’dhavesentmorekillersthemoment

helearnedofhisson’sdeath.

“Areyougoingtotalktome,oramIsupposedtoblindlygowhereyoulead?”Rachel’svoicepulled

himfromhisthoughts.

“Aidenhasafarewellpartyplannedfortonight.Huntingpartieswillbereturningsoon.Ineedtomake

theroundsandensuremysecurityteamsaredoubled,nowthatIunderstandmoreabouthowCharles
Marsdenoperates.”Forcingwomentobemarriedoffasbroodmateswasonething,butallowinghisson
torunroughshodoverthemsimplyfortheadvancementofhisfamilylinewasanextralevelof
despicable.TherewasnowayCharleshadbeenunawareoftheassassinationattempt;Alphasalways
knewthecomingsandgoingsoftheirimmediatefamily.Bradywouldhavebethisfamily’sfortunethat
Craig’stripandtheassassinbothwerefundedbytheMarsdens.Nowondertheyweremadenoughto
threatenwar–Rachel’slifewasnotonlysaltinthewoundbutproofoftheirdirtydeeds.

Bradycontinuedtowalk,keepingonestepaheadofRachel,whohuffedandgrumbledbehindhimina

clearattempttogethisattention.

Keepinghisheadrivetedtothetaskwaseasiertoaccomplishwhenhewasnotlookingattheswayof

herhipsasshewalked.Evenashethoughtupsecuritystrategies,hismindkeptflashingovertoscenes
fromtheirpreviousevening.

Sexandstressreliefwenthandinhand.Brady’sstresslevelhadgonetoeleven,andtherewasno

denyingthesexualattractionbetweenthem.

ButRachelneededprotectionatallcosts,notonlyfromdangerbuthimselfaswell.Herlife,henow

understood,hadbeenaoneofmistrustandforcedservitude.She’dgrownastrongoutershellfromher
experiences.Butnomatterhowhardthearmor,underneathbeataheart.Softandfragile,theweakest
pointofall.

Andhisreputationlabeledhimaserialheartbreaker.
Ifgiventheoption,hewouldeagerlydevourhermindandbody,makingsuretheybothenjoyedevery

lastmomentofit.Andjustlikealltheothers,he’denduphurtingherwhenshewantedcommitmentandhe
couldn’tgiveit.

Thinkingbacktothatmorning,wakinguptoanemptybedhadbeenforthebest.Shehadbeensmart

enoughtogetaway.She’dbeenthroughenoughpainandemotionalbullshit.

Yeah.Besttokeepadistance,hethoughttohimself,asheroundedthecornerandpassedthewolf

standingattheendentrancetothesecuritywing.

Rachelfollowedhimclosely,andBradynoddedtohismantoletherpass.
“SoIgettofollowyouaroundlikealackeyallday?”Rachel’stonesouredwhenevenafterthey

enteredhisoffice,Bradystillrefusedtolookather.

Insuchcloseproximity,shewaspuretemptation.Hequicklyopenedhislaptop,creatingasmallwall

betweentheangryshe-wolfandhimself.“OnceI’vemademyrounds,wecanstopbyyourroomfora
bit.”Thatdidnotcomeoutthewayhe’dplannedit.“To...ah...allowyoutimetopreparefortheevening
festivities.”

Nosex.Nomoregettinginvolvedwiththiswoman.Hisjobwastoprotecther.Nothingmore.
Rachel’shandscamedowntorestonherhips.He’dseenthatangrystanceonmanyawoman,but

damnedifitdidn’tmakeherlookthatmuchhotter.“Ihadfunlastnighttoo.Butlet’sleaveittherefor
now.”

Thosewordshithimlikeicywaterbeingdumpedintohislap.
Hehadn’tevenofferedsex,andshe’dshuthimdown.Thatneverhappened!Evenwithhard-asseslike

Emmawhomadeahabitoflobbinginsultsathim.Ifheofferedheranothernightinbed,she’dtakeit.No
doubtinhismind.Notthatheeverwould.

Whatthehelljusthappened?
Pridekepthimfromrespondingtoher‘nosex’comment,buthecouldn’thidethedisappointmentin

hisvoice.“We’llbeonatightschedule,sopleasedonotkeepmewaitingwhileyougetready.Idohave
thesecurityofthepacktoworryabout.”

“Ididn’tmeantoinsultyou,”Rachelsaid.
Bradyfussedwiththekeyboard,typingandretypinghisloginunsuccessfullyforthethirdtime.“Ithink

youmistookmyintentions.Ihaveadutytoensureyoursafety.Thatmeanswe’llbeincloseproximityfor
alittlewhile.Iapologizeifthatmakesyouuncomfortableafterlastnight.”

“Oh,no.We’recool,”shesnappedathim.
Herannoyancewasplain,butthesatisfactionhegotfromitdidnothingtodullthesoreegoshe’d

givenhim.Mostwomenwantedtodigtheirclawsintohim.Theybeggedformore,andtheirangerusually
camefromhimbeingtheonetosayhe’drathernotbeattached.Sittingontheothersideofthat
conversationgavehimpainfulclaritytotheanimosityhe’dcreatedamonghisformerdates.

Butwoundedprideornot,itwasforthebest.Thepackwasalreadyannoyedwithhimforthe

previousnightasitwas.Hehadajobtodo.Hewouldnotfailtoprotectherorthepack.

Damnedifitdidn’tniggleathimabitthatshecouldsoeasilydismisshim.

SIXTEEN

Despitehisbeingannoyedthatshe’drebuffedhim,timespentawayfromRachelwhileshewaslocked
awayinhernewlyassignedroomgaveBradyachancetorelax.

Hesatwithhisfeetkickeduponthereceptiondeskinthelobby,keepingacasualeyeonthehallway

leadingtowardthelivingquarters.

Wolvesmilledaround,chattingamongthemselvesinthequiethoursbetweenevents.
Aidenmighthavebeenthebrainsbehindtheevent,butitwasStephenandJacksonwhohaddoneall

thelegworktomakeithappen.Theyarrangedallkindsofevents,andevenonthelastdayoftherevelry,
they’dsetafullscheduletokeeppeopleentertainedandhappy:huntingparties,naturehikes,gamesof
skill,andabitofchance.

Hadhenotbeensocaughtupinsecurity,Bradywouldhavelovedtositinonafewpokergames.

Lyingtoawolfwasdamnnearimpossible,whichaddedanewlayerofskilltoagamewheretellswere
easytospot.

Fallonsurprisedhimwithaslapupsidethebackofhishead.He’dbeensofocusedaheadofhimhe’d

failedtonoticehercreepingupbehind.

“Whatthehell?”Bradynearlyfelloutofhischairashewhippedaroundtofaceher.
Shesetherlaptopdownnexttohimonthedeskandpulledupachair.“Ithoughtyouweren’tgoingto

beajerk.”

“Guiltywithoutatrial.”Bradyrubbedthetenderspot,wonderingifshe’dhithimwiththelaptop

insteadofherhand.“Ididnothingwrong.”

“NotfromwhereI’msitting.”Sheclickedafewkeysonthekeyboard.
Bradylookedovertothescreenbutcouldn’tmakesenseofthegibberishshewastyping.“I’mgoing

tobethebadguynomatterwhattoday,”hesighed.“Fine.WhatamIanassholeforthistime?”

“Asifyoudidn’tknow.Whatdidwetalkaboutthismorning?”
“ArewestilltalkingaboutthefactIsleptwithRachel?Gods,whatiswrongwithyouwomen?Drop

italready.”

“Whereisshe,anyway?”Fallon’sfingersflewoverthekeysasshetalked.
“Gettingdressed.Icouldn’twaitoutsideofherdooranylonger.Andonarelatedtopic,whydoyou

womentakesolongtogetready?”

Thatearnedhimaside-eyeandagrowlfromFallon.“Makingourselveslookgoodforjerkslike

you.”

“Seriously.WhatdidIdothatwassowrong?Andwhyareyousovestedinherrelationshipwithme?

You’venevertakenaninterestinanygirlI’vesleptwithbefore.”

“Becauseshecameinherebroken,andthefirstthingyoudoafterkillinghermateistosleepwith

her?”Theaccusationinhervoicehurthimnearlyasmuchasthefactthatshetrulyfelthehadbeenthe
villain.

“Whoa.Holdupaminute.Youhaveitallwrong.Ididnotgoafterher.Ilikeher.Yes,butshewasthe

onewhoshowedupatmydoorlastnight,talkingaboutnostringsattached.”

Fallonopenedhermouthbutnowordscameout.
“Yeah,”Bradycontinued.“Iwasagoodboy.”
“Butyouwerebraggingthismorning.”

“Onlybecauseyouwereeggingmeon.Talkinglikeoneoftheguysuntilyouwentallcrazygirlon

me.”

“Ididnotgocrazygirl.”Fallonsmackedhiminthearm.
BradylookeddowntothespotwhereFallonhadjusthithimthenbackuptohereyesasiftosay,

“Thatwascrazy.”

Fallon’sexpressionflashedbetweenannoyanceandembarrassment.“Okay...maybeImisjudged.”
“Fairenough.”Bradychuckled.“NormallyIamadog.”
“Understatementoftheyear!”Fallonlaughed.
“Onesuckerpunchatatime,please.”
“Outwithit,then.Whathappenedlastnight?”Fallonasked.
Adoghemightbe,butabraggart,no.However,knowingFallonashedid,shewouldn’tjustlethim

gowithashrugoftheshoulders.“JustwhatIsaid.Iwenttomyroom,intendingtosleep...alone.She
showedupandsaidshewantedto...relievesomestress.Nostringsattached.”Heclearedhisthroatand
shifteduncomfortablyinhisseat.“Bymorningshewasgone.”

“Whywouldawomanwhojustwentthroughallofthatjumpintobedwithyou?”Thelookon

Fallon’sfaceborderedonhorror.

“Idon’tpretendtoknowwhatgoesthroughyouwomen’sminds.”Bradyshrugged.“Itriedtostopit,

butshewas―”

“Ireallydon’tneeddetails.”Fallonturnedtohercomputerscreen,buttheglowofthemonitor

highlightedtherednessofhercheeks.

“Hey.Youasked.”Bradylaughed.Itwasn’toftenhecouldmakeFallonsquirm.Heenjoyedthe

moment.

“Sothenwhythegrumpinessoverhertoday?”
“WhosaidIwasgrumpy?”
“She’sgettingdressed,andyou’rehereinthereceptionhalllookinglikesomeonestoleyourpuppy,”

Fallonobserved.

“Ihatehavingtowait.”
“Oryouhatethatshewon’tletyouintoherroom?”Fallonaskedthequestionleadingly.
Busted.Thefactshe’drebuffedhimhadbeenonhismindsincewakingupalone.Andwhenshe’dtold

himtoleaveitatthat,ithadstolenallthewindfromhissails.Rejectionsucked.“No.Shewon’tletme
in.”

“You’vemetyourmatch.”Fallonlaughedasifshewereprivytosomeinsidejoke.
“Probably.”Bradytriedtoactasifhewasn’tnearlyasbotheredashewas.
Fallonwentbacktoclickingawayatthekeysonherlaptop.“Don’tletitgettoyou.Wewomenlove

toplayhardtoget.”

WasthatwhatRachelwasdoing?Evenifitwasn’t,itsoundedawholelotbetterthanflat-out

rejection.Hedecidedtorunwiththatidea.Atleastthenhispridecouldbeappeased.

BradylookedoverFallon’sshoulder,tryingtomakesenseofwhatshewasdoing,butitwasallsome

kindofsecretcode.“Inventinganewlanguage?”

Fallonsmirked.“Codinganewdatabase.Aidenaskedmetoworkonourtrackingsystemforthe

packsinourterritory.”

“Yeah,we’llneedthat.Didhetellyouwhatwashappening?”
Fallonnodded.“Yeah.I’vebeenhavingeveryoneherefillouttheirinfo,andStephenisgettingtheir

pictures.Thiswaywecangetarecordofwho’sattending.AndafewofJackson’sguysareplaying
photographersowecancapturethosewhomighthaveslippedthroughourchecks.”

“Don’twealreadyhavesomerecordslikethat?”Bradyasked.

“Yourdadwasn’tsupertechnical.Nooffense.Wehaveapapertrailandboxesofrecords.This”–

Fallonwavedahandaroundhercomputerscreenlikeasalesmodel–“whenI’mdonewithitwillbe
super-fastandeasytouse.Wecanpulluprecordsinaninstant.”

“Aidensureknowshowtopickem,”Bradywhisperedunderhisbreath.
“He’sluckyIlovehimsomuch.Thisistedious-assshit.”Fallonlaughed,thoughhernosewasfirmly

buriedinthescreen.“Ikeeptellinghimweneedtotrainsomemoretech-savvypeople.Bringthispack
intothemodernage.”

Thefrontdoorsopened,sendingacoldblastofwinterairinside.Bradylookeduptoseeifanother

huntingpartyhadreturned,butinsteadfoundthetwowolveshe’dbanishedthenightbefore.

Bradywasonhisfeet,snarling.“DidInotwarnyouofwhatthepenaltywouldbeifyoushowed

yourselvesinmyterritoryagain?”Hestalkedtowardthepairofmen,likearabiddog.

Thelargerofthetwo,Mark,heldhishandsupinsurrender.“Wehadtocomeback.Webegfor

sanctuary.”

Hispartner,thetwigofaman,appearedmoreannoyedthanfearfulofBrady’sapproach,buthetoo

heldhishandsoutforalltoseehemeantnothreat.

“Givemeonegoodreason,”Bradygrowled.
“We’vebeenbrandedcowardsbyourAlpha.”Markspokesoftly,asifthewordpainedhimtosay.

“Butwe’dratherriskdeathwithyourpackthanacceptbeingbrandedandmadeanexampleofinour
own.”

“Youdeservewhateverfateyourpackchooses,”Bradyreplied.
“See,Itoldyouweshouldn’tcomebackhere,”LouissaidtoMark.
“I...Wehopedtoappealtoyourgoodnature.”MarktookholdofLouis’shandandcontinuedto

addressBradydirectly.“OurAlphawasfuriouswhenwereturnedwiththenews.Heblamesusforhis
sonCraig’sdeath.”

“Youwerewithhim,wereyounot?”Bradystareddownatthepair.“Youfollowedhimhere.You

helpedhimlocateRachel.”

“Wehadnochoice.Subordinatewolvescan’tdefytheirAlpha.Surelyyouunderstandthat.”Mark’s

tonebecamepleading,andhisgriponhismate’shandtightened.

Bradywatchedthemboth.Theirtremblingarms.Thedowncasteyes.Healmostbelievedthem,but

theirstoryseemedtooconvenient.

“True.”Bradynodded.“Butifyouwerereallythatopposedtoyourpackandthewaytheydothings,

thenwhynotaskforsanctuarylastnight?Whyreturnsoquickly?”

“I’mnotgoingtolie,man.Youscarethecrapoutofme,”Marksaid.
ThatBradybelievedwholeheartedly.
“Wejustwantedtogetoutofhere,aftereverythingthatwentdown,”Markcontinued.“Onlyoneplace

togo:home.”

“Andnowwehavenohome,”Louisadded.
“That’sapity,”Bradyreplied.
“Charlesisoutforblood.Hesaysweshouldhavediedlikerealwolvesinsteadofrunninghomewith

ourtailstucked,”Markadded.

“Sowhydidn’tyou?”Bradyasked.“Youcouldhavecomeatme.Diedlikerealwolves.”
LouislookedasifhewantedtorespondtoBrady’staunting,buthekeptquiet.Markheldhishandso

tightlyhisarmtrembled.

“Youwerecarryingoutjustice;Itriedtoexplainthat.Wehadnoreasontointerfereorretaliate,”

Marksaid.

“True,”Bradyagreed.

Ifnothingelse,Bradycouldseethepairtrulycaredforeachother,withMarkdoingallhecouldto

keephisyounger,feistiermatefromsayingsomethingstupid.

Buthiswolfdidn’ttrustthem.Somethingwasoffinthewaytheyconvenientlyansweredhisquestions

withouthesitation.Andtheirtiming...beingbackheresoquicklyafterhe’dsentthempacking.

“Look,man.”Louisshruggedandrolledhiseyesasifthisconversationweretakinguptoomuchof

hisvaluabletime.“OurAlphadoesn’tgiveashitaboutthat–hisboycoulddonowrong.Andwelethim
dieonourwatch.”

ThatearnedalaughfromBrady,butthehorrorinMark’seyessaidhewasn’ttoohappywithhowhis

matewastalking.

“Sonowyoucomehere.Whenwarhasbeenthreatenedbetweenyourpackandours.Convenient.”

Bradycrossedhisarmsandstareddownatthepairagain,waitingtoseehowtheywouldreactmorethan
whattheirwordswouldbe.

Markdroppedhismate’shandandpinchedthebridgeofhisnose.Heletoutadefeatedsighbefore

finallyraisinghiseyestomeetBrady’s.“Iknowhowitlooks.”

“Likeafuckingsetup?”BradylockedontoMark’seyes,scrutinizingthemforanysignortell.He

neededtoseebeyondthefaçadeofweaknessandfindthetruth,becausethehumanhalfofhimwantedto
believeMarkbuthiswolfkeptwarninghimnotto.Neverbeforehadhefeltsoseparatefromhiswolf.
Theyhadalwaysagreedontheirassessmentofstrangers.Butnotnow.

EitherMarkwasdamngoodatbluffing,orhewastellingthetruth.Nothingbutsorrowrevealeditself

asBradygazedintohissoul.

“Look,IwouldratherriskdeathherethanremainwherewewerewiththeAlphagunningforus,”

Marksaidsoftly.

“Andifwechoosetoletyoustay?Whatbenefitisthereforus?”Bradyasked,moreasastalltactic

thananythingelse.Sinceheandhiswolfwereatodds,he’dhavetodefertohisbrotherforafinal
decision.

“Information,”Markrepliedhopefully.
“Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”Louisaddedeagerly.
Markmightbeonthelevel,buthispartner’sflippantattituderubbedhimthewrongway.Thatboth

Bradyandhiswolfagreedon.

Hetookanextrafewmoments,makingashowofhisconsiderationbeforelettingthemknow.
Behindhim,awomanclearedherthroat.Butitwasn’tFallon.HeturnedtofindRachelattheentrance

tothehall,handsonherhipsandangerpaintedacrossherface.Hersharpgazepassedstraightthrough
Brady,shootingdaggersatthepairofmenhe’dbeenspeakingtoo.

“Whataretheydoinghere?”shegrowled.
Bradybitbackhislaughter.Deadlyashewas,hecountedhisluckystarsherangerhadnotbeen

directedathim.Foramomentthethoughtcrossedhismindtosimplyletheratthemandseeifthey
survived.“Howwelldoyouknoweachother?”heasked,buthiswordswereallbutignoredasRachel
stalkedtowardthem.

“Iknowwe’rethelastpeopleyouwanttosee.”Markheldhisheadinshame.“Wecouldn’tstay

there.”

“Cometodragmeback,haveyou?”Rachel’shandreareduptostrike.
Bradycaughtherbeforeshecouldlandtheblow,noticinghowsharphernailshadturned.“Nooneis

goinganywhere,”heshouted.

Fallonlookedupfromhercomputerasifshe’djustrealizedtherewerepeoplearoundher.“Noneof

thisishelpingmeconcentrate.”

“GogetAiden,”Bradycommanded.“Beforethingsturnugly.”

AstheAlpha’smate,sheoutrankedhim,andnormallyhewouldn’tbarkordersather,butwiththe

tensionintheroom,andalloftheotherwolvesnowstoppingtoseewhatwasgoingon,itwasimperative
theAlphashowhisfaceandpubliclyexerthiswill.

Seeingtheopenhostilityintheroom,Fallonnoddedandscoopedupherlaptop.
BradyturnedtoRachel.Beforehecouldopenhismouth,shesaid,“Ithoughtyou’dbewaitingoutside

mydoor.”

“Noonewasgettingdownthathallway,andIwasnotstandingguardforoveranhourwhileyouput

onlipstick,”heshotbackather.

Hereyesnarrowedathimangrily.“Ididn’ttakethatlong.”
“Checktheclock,”Bradygrumbled.“Now,ifwecanclearupafewthings...Howwelldoyou

actuallyknowtheseguys?”

RachellookedovertoMarkandLouis.“TheywerepartofCraig’spersonalguard.Basicallypaidto

behisfriends.”

BradyturnedtoMark.“Thistrue?”
Marktiltedhisheadsideways,wincingasifheweretryingtocomeupwithabetterexplanationand

failing.“Yeah,wewereassignedtohim.”

“Sowereyoufriends,orjustajob?”Bradyclarified.
“Craigwasn’tallbad.Hecouldbecooltohangoutwith.Nottheworstjobweeverhad,butyeah,we

mostlyreportedtohim,”Markconfirmed.

“Anddidwhateverhetoldyoutodo.”Rachelspatatthem.“Don’tbelieveawordtheysay.”
“Andyou’reLittleMissInnocent?”Louissnappedbackather.“LittleMissQueenieoverherwithher

lastseasonknock-offs.Likeyouweren’twellpaidforservicesrendered?Thisbitchcomplainslikeher
lifewasatotaltragedy,butherclosetsaysotherwise.I’msurprisedshedidn’tcomplainwhenshehadto
putthatunfortunateoutfitontonight.”

Rachel’sarmtrembledinBrady’shand,butheheldfirm,knowingifheletgoshe’dprobablyclawhis

eyesoutforthatcomment.“Evenafterbeingbeaten,nearlyfrozentodeath,andstalked,thisoneisfinding
newwaystotrytocutmedown.That’sthekindofpeopleyou’redealingwith,Brady.Killthemnowand
putusalloutoftheirmisery.”

Markgavehispartneraclearshutupglare,butLouisalreadyhadtheclawsout.
“What?”Louisshrugged.“Salmonisnothercolor.Sheneedstoavoidthatwholepinkspectrum.

Clasheswiththeredinherrestingbitchface.”

“One.More.Word...”BradystruggledtokeepholdofRachel.Shestoodfuming,grittingherteeth.

Plottinghisdeath,nodoubt.

“I’mjustsaying.Therearemultiplefacetstothiswholeordeal.Ifshe’sinnocent,thensoarewe.”
“Nooneisinnocenthere,”Bradyshouted,earningside-eyeglancesfromotherwolveswandering

aroundthereceptionarea.“Butifyoutwodon’tstopthiscatfight,Iwillreleasethewolvesonyou.”

Louisrolledhiseyesandthrewahandonhiship,butkepthismouthshut.
“YoutwoaremoretroublethanI’mpreparedtodealwithrightnow.I’muptomyearsinsecurity

bullshit,andIdon’tneedmorefromeitherofyou.”

Markliftedhishand.“IfImay.Wewillvoluntarilybeplacedinlockupforthedurationofyour

festivities,ifitputsyouatease.”

“Whetheryoulieinwaittoattackordoitinplainsightmakesnodifferencetomystateofatease.”

BradysighedandletgoofRachel’shand,halfhopingshewouldkillthemandtaketheproblemofwhatto
dowiththemoffthetable.“I’mnotentirelyconvincedyou’reonthelevel.”

“Fairenough.”Marknodded.
“Aidenwilldeterminewhattodowithyou,andIwillleaveyouinhiscapablehands.”Bradyturned

toRachel.“You,ontheotherhand,areonashortleashuntilIsayotherwise.”

“Shemightlikethat,”Louisquipped.
Rachel’shandcameupfasterthanBradyexpected,butLouiswasreadyforthestrikeandcaughther

wristmid-swing.“Bastard!”

Louislaughed.“Feisty,isn’tshe?”
AgrowlrumbledupBrady’schestandheswungattheskinnywolf,hisboulder-likefistconnecting

withLouis’ssoftjaw.

Racheljumpedbackassoonasherhandwasreleased.
LouissnarledandswipedhisrazorsharpnailsacrossBrady’schest,slicingoffabuttonfromhisshirt

butfailingtobreakskin.

Asifheneededmorereasontokillthesetwo,anopenattackonhisownturfwasmorethanenough.

Bradygrabbedholdoftheskinnywolf’shand,twistingitandputtingpressureonhisweakpoint,andbent
italmostenoughtobreak.

LouisscreechedandusedhisfreehandtotrytoclawatBrady.
MarkshoutedforhismatetostopandtriedtopryhimfreeofBrady’sgrip,butitwasonlythe

commandofAidenthatmadeBradystopandletgo.

“Brady,takeRachelandgo,”Aidencommanded.
BradynoddedtohisbrotherandreleasedthegriphehadonLouis,hopingthelesserwolfwouldtryto

strikeagain.Orderorno,hehadtherighttodefendhimself,andhewelcomedtheopportunitytouseit.

LouisdroppedhisarmstohissideandMarkpulledhimclose.Tremblingwithtruefear,Markhadthe

desperatelookofamanwhoknewhewasabouttoloseitall.“We’reonlyaskingforsanctuary.Please,”
hepleaded.

BradydidasorderedandtookRachelbythearm,pullingherawayfromthepair,towardAiden.“I

don’ttrustthem,”hewhisperedinhisbrother’searashepassed,walkingbackdownthehalltowardthe
livingquarters.

SEVENTEEN

“Why’dhetellyoutogo?”Rachelaskedastheyleftthegroupinthelobby.“Andwherearewegoing?”

“I’mtoopersonallyinvestedinwhatishappening.Standardprotocol.He’llhavesecurityassisthim.

Notthatheneedsit.”

“Hefightshisownbattles?”Rachelsoundedshocked.
“Alphashavetobewillingtofight.Howelsedotheysecuretheirplaceinthepack?”Bradysaid,as

ifthestatementshouldbeobvious.

“Charles...Marsdenneverfoughtanyone,asfarasIsaw.Healwayshadothersdotheworkforhim.”
TheypassedRachel’sroomandheadedfurtherdownthehallway.Bradyhadhalfamindtobringher

backtohisroom,butknewthatwouldgivethewrongmessage.Hejustneededtotakehertoasafeplace
tocooldownwhileheallowedhisbrothertoclearthelobby.

“Aidenreliesonmetodomuchoftheenforcingbecausethat’smyposition,butyoudon’twanttoget

onhisbadside.EveryoneinourpackknowsjusthowpowerfultheirAlphacanbe.”

“WishIhadgrownupinyourpack,”Rachelmumbled.“Wherearewegoing?”
Bradypassedadoortoaroomheknewtobevacantanddoubledbackonit.“We’rejusttakingatime

out.Thisshoulddo.”Heopenedthedoor,confirmingitwasempty,andsteppedinside.“Sorryaboutthe
mess.Someroomsarestillunderrenovation.”

Duringthemajorityoftheyear,thecompoundandthenaturepreserveitsatonranonaskeletoncrew.

WolvesintheOldeTownwerealwayswelcometocomeandstayastheyliked.Itmadeforagreatspotto
retreattoandenjoyaprivatevacationfromthebusycitylife,andonlyonmajorholidaysorpack
gatheringsdiditeverreachfullcapacity.

Whitesheetscoveredalmosteverythingintheroom,andthoughitwasinthelivingquarterswingof

thecompound,therewasnobed.Desksandtablesofallsortshadbeenpiledupintheroom.The
bathroomdoorhadbeentapedoff,andtheonlywindowintheroomhadbeenboardedover.

“Whathappenedinhere?”Rachelasked,asshelookedaroundtheghostofaroom.
“AfightwiththeActaSanctorumawhileback.Someofthecompoundtookhardhits.”Bradywalked

tothelightswitchesandflickedthefirstone.

Nothing.Hetriedthesecond,andafanoverheadbegantospin,butstillnolight.Thethirdswitch

worked,butonlyoneofthethreelightsinthefanbegantoglow.“Thisroomstillneedsabitofwork.”He
shrugged.

“Youguysseealotofaction?”Rachelwalkedtowardtheboardedupwindow.Betweenthecracksa

littlemoonlightsnuckin.

“Ourpackseesmoreactionthanmost,fromwhatIunderstand.”
“Andyou’reobviouslymorethanwellequippedforit.”Sheturnedandfacedhim,hereyebrow

quirkingupslightly,asifseeinghiminsomenewlight.“Thanksfordefendingmebackthere.”

“Yourprotectionismyjob.”Wellintentionedornot,herealizedhe’dputhimselfinacompromising

position.Thelookinhereyeassheslowlystrolledacrosstheroomtowardhimwasnothingshortof
predatory.

Hisheadspunfromallthemixedsignalsshewassendinghisway.Notthatlongagoshe’dstatedquite

clearlythatthey’dhadfunandweredone.Hehadn’tlikedit,butherespectedit.Evenreasonedthatit

wastherightthingtodo.Andnow,alonewithherandwithnothingbuttimeontheirhands,shewas
givingacompletelydifferentvibe.

“IwantyoutoknowhowmuchIappreciateyourprotection.”
Actionsalwaysspokelouderthanwords,andforwolveswhohadnovoicewhenintheiranimal

form,bodylanguagewastruth.

Thelickofherlips.Theflipofherhair.Thewayshedrewherhanddownbetweenherbreastsand

finishedwithanarcouttoherhipswhileshewalked.Itdidn’ttakearocketscientisttofigureoutwhat
shewasafter.

Rachelcamefacetofacewithhim,hereyesstilllockedontohis,almostdaringhimtolookawayin

submission.

Butthistimehewouldnotallowhertotakecontrol.Notwhenitwassimplyamindgame.“Isthis

howit’sgoingtobe?”Bradyasked.

Rachelblinkedandtookastepback.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“You’reonlythisnicetomewhenIdefendyou?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”
“Lastnightyouwereawfullyfriendly.Thismorning,coldshoulder.Andnow...”
Rachelthrewherhandsupinfrustrationandturnedawayfromhim.“YouthinkI’musingsextothank

you?”

Hedidn’twanttosaythewordsoutright,knowingitwouldstartanotherunnecessaryfight.Tact

wasn’talwayshisstrongsuit,though.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’redoing,”hesighed,togivehimtimeto
comeupwithsomethingelsetoadd.“Itwouldbegreatifyou’djustbehonestwithme.”

“Iwasbeinghonest.Wesaidnostrings.”
“Okay,then.Loudandclear.Nostrings.”
“Butthatdoesn’tmeanwecan’thavefuneverynowandagain.”Rachelwinked.
“Soyouwanttobefuckbuddies?”Bradywatchedthewayhereyeswidenedinshockfromhis

bluntness.

“Emmawasrightaboutyou.”
“WhatdidEmmasay?”
“Oh,nothing.Justthatyouwoulddoanythingtoavoidcontinuedintimacywithanyone.Fuckbuddies.

Thatsoundssoappealing.”Sherolledhereyesasifinsultedbytheterm.

“Whatwouldyoucallrandomlyhookingupwithnostrings?”
“I’dcallitwhatitwas–twopeopleenjoyingeachother...becausetheywantto...whentimepermits.I

wouldn’tmakeitsoundsocheapanddisgusting.”

“Really?That’sdisgusting?I’mcallingitwhatitis.Wefucked.Itwasmind-blowing,butthat’swhat

weweredoing.”

Hersmilefadedtosomewarpedversionofasnarl,asifshewantedtobemadbuthadn’tfully

committedtoit.“ForgetIsaidanything.Idon’twanttofuckyouagainifthat’sallitwastoyou.”

Holyshit,womenarecomplicated!
Andtheywonderedwhyherefusedtosettledown.Whocould,whenundersuchconstantscrutiny?

Onewrongwordandhewasinthedoghouse.No.Hellno.Andevenifhehadn’talreadycommittedtonot
sleepingwithheragain,he’dgoaheadandputthefinalnailinthatcoffin.

“Sureseemedlikeyouwantedtooaminuteago.”Bradythrewtheattituderightbackather.“What

changed?ThefactIwashonestaboutit?”

“There’shonesty,andthere’sbeingcrude.”
“Getoveryourselfandbehonest.Youwanttofuck.”
“No,Idon’t.Iwanttomakelove.”

“Loveisforrelationships.Youwantnostrings,yougetnostrings.Andyougetfucked.Goodand

hard,andasoftenaspossible.Butdon’tmistakethatforloveorcompanionship,honey.”

“FuckingiswhatCraigdid,”Rachel’svoicecrackedwithemotion.
Bradyunderstoodherhatredofthewordnow.Butifshe’dbeenhonestratherthanpickafightabout

it,he’dhavelearnedthetruthmorequickly.“Hewasanass.Don’tlethimsetthebarforyou.”

Sheblewoutalongbreathandshookherhead.“I’mprettymessedup,aren’tI?”Shedidn’tlookat

him,choosingtopacethefloorinstead.

Bradyreachedoutbutjustmissedherarmasshepassedhim.“We’veallgotourdemons.”
“Minearealittle....hornierthanmost.”Shestoppedandlookedback.Bradycaughtthehungerstill

lingeringinhereyes.“Can’talwayshelpmyself,andsexisgreatstressrelief.”

“Can’targuewithyouthere.It’ssomethingwe’rebothgoodat.”
Shesnortedbutdidn’thaveanimmediateretort.
He’dpromisedhimselfhewouldn’t,butdamnifdidn’twantherrightthen.Thewayshelookedat

him,thewayhereyelashesflutteredassheheldcontactwithhim...hecouldhearthethrummingofher
heart.

Anticipationofwhatwastocome.
Wordlesslydaringhimtomakeamove.
Hewantedtobegood;toholdtohispromise.Butthebloodlefthisbrainthemomentshebither

bottomlip.

He’dpayforhissinsoneday.Buttodaywasnotthatday.
“Icouldshowyouthetruemeaningoftheword.Notsomebastardizedversionofit.”Bradyclosedin

onher,slowlybackingherupagainstthewall.“Admitit.Youwanttofuck.Sayit.”

Hersmilereturnedwhenshelookeduptomeethispredatorygaze.“Whatif...”Shegulped.“Iwanta

littlemorethanjustafuck?”

“Truth?”Hebentdownandnuzzledherneckwithhisnose,takinginherperfumebeforenippingather

pulse.

“Idon’tknowwhatIwant,”shepanted.
“Ithinkyoudo.AndIwantthesamething,”Bradywhisperedinherear,ashenudgedhiships

forwardandpressedhisachinghardnessagainsther.

“Ilovesex,andgod,you’resexy.”Sheturnedherheadaway,exposingherneckfurtherforhimto

explore.

Hepeckedandnibbledhiswayaroundthebutterysoftskinatthebaseofherneckandworkedhis

waybackuptonipatherearbeforestealingherbreathawaywithakiss.

Herhandsfoundtheirwaytohisbeltandunclaspeditwithpracticedefficiency.Buttonsandzippers

unfastenedbeforehehadrealizedwhatshewasdoing.

Bradydeepenedthekiss,promisingwithoutwordstoreturnthefavorwhileRachelfreedhimfromhis

clothprisonandtookholdofhim.

Hemoanedwithherfirsttightstroke,savoringthefeelofherwarmhandsaroundhimandtheinstant

chillthattrailedinthewakeoftheirmovement.

Shewhisperedinhisear,“Ilikeyou...maybetoomuchtoshare.”
Heknewhewasgoingtogotohellforthis.Shehadallbutaskedhimtocommittoher,andthoughit

wentagainsteverypartofhispersona,he’dagreetoanythingsheaskedatthatmomentifitmeanthe
couldbeinsideheroncemore.

Heloweredhisheadagain,findingthattenderspotatthebaseofherneckandplantedagentlekiss.
“ButIdon’twanttobesomeone’spropertyagain.”Rachelpunctuatedherpointwithanothergentle

stroke.

Alowgrowlrumbleduphischest,amixofpleasureandrawpower.Herwordsremindedhimofhis

vowtoprotectherfromthelifeshe’dhadbefore.Bradytookholdofherhipsandlookedherintheeyes.
“Youwillneverbeproperty.”

Shesmiledupathim,stillholdinghimhostageinherhands.“WhatwouldIbe...toyou?”
Torture,pureandsimple.Shehadhimwhereshewantedhim,andknowingit,heenjoyedhowstrong

herwillwasallthesame.Thewrongwordsmightendthemoment,buthewaswillingtotakethat
gamble.

“Youwouldbeenjoyingthemoment,andwewouldbefuckingrightthereonthatdeskifyoustopped

askingsomanyquestions.”Bradytookhiseyesoffherforlongenoughtocheckthelockatthedoor.The
lastthingheneededwasaninterruption.“IdidsayIwouldredefinethatwordforyou,didn’tI?”

Beforeshecouldanswerorthinktoaskanotherquestion,hetookholdofherhips,liftedherup,and

carriedherovertothesheet-covereddesk.

Abedwouldhavebeenmorecomfortablebuthelikedtheideaofbendingheroverthesideand

drivinghimselfhome.First,though,hehadalessontoteach.

Bradysetherroughlyonthedesk,fittinghimselfbetweenherspreadlegs.Henibbledagainather

neckwhileheworkedtoundoherblouseandexposetheperfectionofherbreasts.He’ddevoureverylast
delectableinchofherbodyifthat’swhatittooktoprovehispoint.

Rachelleanedback,openingherselfuptohisexploration.
Strapsandbuttonsandclips.Hedidn’thavetimeforthesenuisancesbutremindedhimselftobe

gentle,astheystillhadappearancestomakebeforetheeveningwasthrough.Therewardforhiscare
weretwoperfectbreasts,heavingasRachelpantedwithexcitement,withnippleshardeningthemoment
theyhitthecoolair,beggingfortheheatofhismouth.

Stiffasthosetinypeakswere,hefeltinfinitelymorerigidandheachedforconnection.Bradynudged

hishipsforward,rubbinggentlyagainstherthighs.Asifreadinghismind,sheliftedupoffthedeskand
tookholdofhimoncemore,herfieryhandsinstantlyignitinghisbody.

Heloweredhisheadtoherbreasts,andRachelmoanedashesuckedanippleintohismouth.
Theyworkedinunison,hermassaginghimfromstemtorootwhilehecurledhistonguearoundher

peak.

Shestroked.Henipped.
Bradyhadthoughthewasschoolingher,butsheclearlyhadstudiedandpracticed,matchinghimin

skillandpleasure.

Stillheteasedandsucked,makinghersquirm,enjoyinghowreceptiveshewastohiseverymove.He

switchedfromonenippletotheother,andsuddenlyshesquealedandreleasedhergriponhim.

“Someoneisticklish,”hechuckled,feelinghe’dgottentheupperhand,andpressedRacheldown

againstthedesk.“Let’sseewhatelseIcantickle.”Hetuggedatherskirtandsheshimmiedherhipsagain
toallowhimtoremoveitalongwithherpanties.Ashebentdowntoslipthemfree,heranhistonguethe
lengthofherlegs,downandbackuptoherwetslit.

Rachel’slegtrembledashereachedherclit,andwhenhegaveitalittleflickwithhistongue,her

heardthecatchofherbreath.

Thesexiestsoundofthemall.Moanscouldbefaked.Callingoutsomeone’snamewassocliché.Bu

thatuncontrollablehiccuppingbreathandtheinvoluntarytwitchwastruth.Hedrewherfeetupand
threadedthemoverhisshoulders,oneoneachside,andthendoveheadfirstbetweenherlegs.

Shewashotandwetandoh,soresponsivetoeventheslightestoftouches.Curlinghistonguearound

hernub,hetickledherclit.Herhipsbuckedassherodehisface,moaningandpanting.Helistenedto
whatherbodytoldhimanddroveheronmorefiercely.

Nothingheldback,shevoicedherpleasureasheworkedherbodyintoafrenzy.Herlegstightened

againsthim,thighspressingtogetherashedelveddeeper,sendinghistongueintoherheat.Shetwitched

andbuckedashisnoserubbedherclitwhilehepushedhistongueevendeeper.

Andwhenshecame,herodethewaveofherclimaxallthewaytotheend,lappingupherpleasure.
Hiscock,hardasgranitewithanticipation,achedsomuchhefelthemightexplodeifhewaitedone

moremomenttotakeher.Bradystoodandplacedtheheadofhimatherentrance.

Rachellookedupamixofdreamycontentmentandexcitementformore.Heheldhimselfinhishands,

circlingthetipofhisengorgedheadagainstherwetopening.

Sheliftedherselfupoffthedesk,wrappingherarmsagainaroundthebaseofhisneckandnudgedher

hipsforward.

Theyfittogetherlikepiecesofapuzzle.Henudgedforward,seatinghimselfinsideherheat,andshe

wrappedthosepowerfulthighsaroundhiswaist,sealingtheirconnection.

Shemethiseyesasherockedforward,pushingdeeperintoher.Powerfulandincrediblysexy,she

keptthosebabybluesonhis,connectingwithhimbeyondtheirphysicalbodiesashedroveintoher.

He’dmeanttotakethingsslow.Butthedeliciousheatofherbodyandthewayherthighstightenedin

rhythmwithhishipsmadehimincreasehispacewitheverythrust.Asifhecouldnotgetdeepenough,he
pushedharderandfaster,grindingherintothedesk.Eachthrusttookhimthatmuchclosertotheedge.

Slamminghishandsdownonthedeskforsupport,hepanted.Shecriedoutandherbodybeganto

contractaroundhim,thatdelicioustighteningfrictiondrivinghimrightovertheedge.Hegruntedlikethe
animalhewasthroughthepleasure,grittinghisteethashepumpedhislastfewtimes.

EIGHTEEN

Hadtherebeenabed,Bradywouldhavegladlylainwithherallnight,butthedeskprovidednocomfort.
HeslippedawayfromRachel’sbody,seatinghimselfonanearbychair.“How’syourstresslevelnow?”
hejoked.

“Dialedbacktoaboutafive.”Shewinkedathimassheadjusted,perchingherselfonthecornerofthe

desk.

Ifsheonlyknewhowsexyshelookedatthatmoment.Ifonlyhehadhadacameratocaptureherraw

beauty.Shewasthepictureofconfidenceandfemininebeauty.Ifonlythereweremoretime.He’donly
intendedtheirtimeoutfromthecommotioninthelobbytobeafewmoments.Wellbeyondthatnowduty
called.Bradyblewoutalongbreath“Hardtoreachzerothesedays.Especiallynowthatyouroldpackis
onthewarpath.”

Hersmiledissolved.“Youreallyknowhowtoruinaperfectmoment,don’tyou?”
“Iwasn’ttryingtobeadick.It’smyjobtoprotectthepack,andlikeitornot,afightiscoming.”
“Isthisthefacethatlaunchedathousandships?”Rachelrolledhereyes.
“Andnowwe’requotingShakespeare.It’stimeformetogokillsomething.”
“Marlow,notShakespeare,youass.”Shehoppeddownandretrievedherclothes.“AndIthoughtit

waspoignant.You’veessentiallyaccusedmeofbeingHelenofTroy.”

“SodoesthatmakemeParis?OramIsomeothersuitor?”Bradyteased.
“Areyouimplyingsomething?”Rachel’stonesoured.
“No,Iwasjustsettlingintotherole.”Hesmirkedather.“Paris,ifIrecallwasnotverybrave.And

sinceyounowhavelaunchedathousandships―orwolves―we’llhavetoprepareforbattle.”

“Soyoudohavesomebrainsinthatthickheadofyours,”Rachelteased.
“Itisprettythick,orsoIhavebeentold.”Bradywavedahandsouthandgaveheralittlewink.
“Can’targuethere.”Rachellickedherlips,andthatlittlegesturehadhimatattentionandreadyfor

anotherround.“Butwedon’thavetimeforthatjustyet.”

“Later,”Bradymumbled.Innuendoaside,theveryrealfactthattheywerepreparingforapotential

attackneededtoremainattheforefrontofhismind.

“Andyou’reright,Pariswasnotthebravestofwarriors,thoughhedidlivelongerthanAchillesand

Hector.”

“Notbymuch.Andyouwouldn’tcatchmebeingsuchacoward.Ifighttoothandclaw.Hehadalong

rangeweapon.”

“Amanwhoknowshismythology.Kindofsexy.”Rachelleanedcloseandpeckedhimonthelip,

finishingwithaquicknibble.

“Kindof?”Bradystoodandbegantoredresshimself.
“Justalittle.”
“There’snothinglittleaboutme.”Bradyslippedhislegsintohispants,makingashowofpullingthem

upandfasteningthebutton.

“IguessIcan’targuethere.EspeciallynowthatIknowthere’sahugebraininthatheadofyourstoo.”
“Perkofbeingasecondson.Lotsofschoolinginmorethanjustcombat.Ihavetobepreparedtotake

overshouldtheAlphabeincapable.”Bradypulledhisshirtupoverhisheadandgaveaquickglanceto

hiswatchtocheckthetime.“Speakingofwhich,Aidenwillbelookingforme.We’reduetoappearatthe
finalcelebration.”

“AndwhatamItodo?”
“Staywithme.I’llbeyourescort.AndifIhavetoleave,you’llremainwithFallon.”
“Thiswholebabysittingthingisgettingannoying,”Rachelsighed.“Icandefendmyself.”
Bradyknewbetterthantobringupthewayhe’dfoundherinthewoods,choosinginsteadtocontinue

asifshehadnotsaidthatlastpart.“IcouldleaveyouwithMarkandLouis.Assumingtheyarestill
alive.”

“Thosetwoassholes.”Rachelmumbledangrily,asshefinishedthelastbuttononherblouse.“You

knowthey’respies,right?”

“Thethoughthadcrossedmymind.”Bradynodded.“Theirstoryisfartooconvenient.Idon’ttrust

them.ButIdoknowsomethingofCharles.He’snotexactlyanAlphawhoplaysbytherules.Forthatfact
alone,Ihavetogivethoseguysalittleleeway.Theymighthavetheiruses.Eveniftheyarespying.”

“Soyou’renotgoingtokillthem?”
“No,”Bradyrespondedquickly.“Notyetatleast.”
“Ifyouaskme,that’sabadidea.”
“Ididn’t.”Heopenedthedoorandhelditforher.
“Rude!”
“I’vebeencalledworseformuchless.Contrarytopopularbelief,Idon’tliketokillarbitrarily.”
“Theywerewarnednottocomeback.Theycameback.Theybrokeyourlaw.”
“I’mnottheAlphahere,”heremindedher.“It’snotmylawtomake,onlytheAlpha’slawtouphold.

IfAidenordersit,I’lldowhatiscommanded.”

“ButyoukilledCraig.”
“Onconfirmationthathehadorderedyourdeath.Iwasoperatingwithinthegeneralscopeofour

Alpha’slaw,”Bradysaid.

“Soundslikecherry-pickingtome,”Rachelreplied.
“Callitwhatyouwill,”Bradysighed.
“Whereareweheaded?”
“Outsidetothebonfire.Everyoneshouldhavegatheredbynow.Itwillbetimeforthegiftexchange

soon.”

“Oh,butIdon’thaveanythingtogive.”
“Ialreadygotmine.”Bradynuzzledherneck,stealingonelasttasteofherdeliciousskinbefore

nudgingheron.

NINETEEN

Outside,thepackshadallgatheredamongthetwinklingChristmaslights.Thebonfireblazedhigherthanit
hadthepreviousdays,anddespitetheupsetofearlierevents,themoodremainedlight.

AidenandFalloncameouttoaddresstheassembledcrowd,eachholdingagiftinhand–smallboxes

wrappedwithshinybluepaperandtoppedwithsilverybowsthatglowedunderthemoonlight.

Behindthem,piledhighonatable,satsimilarpackages,eachwrappedandreadytobedistributed.
“Ourtimehasnearlyended,butletusnotforgetthereasonwehaveallcometogethertocelebrate.

Allofus,thoughwebelongtodifferentpacks,sharethesameblood.Thatmakesusfamily.”

Aiden’swell-chosenwordsweremetwithapplausefromthesurroundingwolves.Hesmiledand

waitedforthenoisetodiedownbeforespeakingagain.

“Andsinceyouaremyfamily,anditistheholidaygift-givingseason,Iwouldlikeyoualltohave

somethingtorememberyourtimespentherewithus.”

ThecrowdapplaudedAidenagain,andastheyclapped,Fallonsteppedforwardandgaveherboxto

thenearestwolf.

Aidensteppedforwardandpassedhisgiftoutnext.
StephensteppeduptothetableandbegantopickupboxesandhandthemtoFallonandAideninturn

astheycontinuedthechain,passingoutallofthepresentsuntilnomoreremainedonthetable.

Onceeveryoneinattendancehadtheirboxes,Aidensignaledforthemtobeopened.
Rachelheldaboxinherhandbutdidnotopenitwiththerestofthecrowd.“Ireallydon’tdeserveto

participateinthis.”

“You’rewithusnow.Goonandopenit,”Bradyencouragedher.
Shepulledthebow,gentlyuntyingit,andliftedthelid.Insidelayasmallsilverwolfcharmengraved

withOldeTownPackandthedate.“It’ssopretty.”

Aidenaddressedtheassembledcrowdagain.“WeareallpartoftheOldeTown.Andeachandevery

oneofyouiswelcomehereanytimeyouwish.Considerthisnaturepreserveandallitsamenitiesan
extensionofyourhome.”ApplauseandcheerscutAidenoffbeforehecouldfinishhisspeech.Hewaited
forthenoisetodiedown,smilingathisassembledpack,beforefinishing.“Now,asthisisourfinalnight
together,pleaseenjoyyourselves.”

“Iplanto,”Bradyshouteduploudlytohisbrother.
“Exceptyou.Noonegivethiswolfanythingtodrink,”Aidenrepliedwithachuckle.
Thecrowdjoinedhislaughter.
AidensteppeddownholdingFallon’shandandtogethertheywalkedtowardBrady.Thejovialsmile

fadedastheyapproachedBradyandRachel.

Downtobusinessasalways.“Walkwithus,”BradysaidtoRachel.Hejoinedhisbrother,walkinga

fewstepsbehindastheyheadedbacktowardthecompound.

“Whatofthetrespassers?”Bradyasked.
“We’llgivethemthebenefitofthedoubtfornow,andseewhattheydo,”Aidenreplied.
“Shortleash,then?”
“Absolutely,”Aidenagreed.“Canyouhandlebeingaroundthem?”heaskedRachel.
Shegrumbledtoherself,butwhenheranswercame,itwascalm.“Iwilldowhatyouneedmetodo.”

“Iunderstandyourposition,”Aidensaidreassuringly.“Butasprecariousasourpositionisatthis

moment,wecouldmakeuseofthem.Evenifthey’renotonthelevel.”

“Iunderstand.Asanoutsider,Ihavenotyetbeeninitiatedintoyourfamily.ButIwantyoutoknowI

respectyouasmyAlpha.”

HerwordsseemedtohavestruckachordwithAiden.Hestoppeddeadinhistracksandturned

aroundtofaceher.“Wewouldbehappytowelcomeyouintoourpack,andevenwithouttheformality,I
alreadyconsideryouoneofus.”Heleanedinclose,whisperinginherear,“Andonlyawomanofsuch
raresubstancecouldkeepawolflikemybrothertieddown.”

“YoudorealizeIcanhearyou,right,brother?”Bradygroaned.
RachelgaveAidenasmilewhilecoylyglancingovertoBrady.“IlearnedknottyinginGirlScouts.”
“She’sdefinitelyakeeper.”FallonsnortedandshotBradyaglare,mouthingthewords,Don’tscrew

thisup.

Bothofthemseemedtowanthimtosettledown,butitwentagainsteverythinginBrady’snature.Still,

hehadtoadmit,ifonlytohimself,thatRachelwasaprettyrarefind,andhewasluckytohavethetimehe
didwithher.“Okay.Beforeyoutwostartplanningourmatingceremony,let’sgetthroughthisevening
withoutanyonedying.”Bradyhopedtosteertheconversationbackonpoint,butFallontookholdof
Rachelandpulledhercloser,whisperingandgiggling.

Aidenatleastappearedtohavehisheadbackinthegame.“Haveyousetupadditionalpatrols?”
“Yes,andIwasgoingtoexcusemyselffromthepartyearlytojoininandtakemyshift,”Brady

replied.

“I’dratheryounot.I’dreallyliketohaveyouhereasavisiblepresencetoassureourguestallis

well.”

“I’mherenow.AndIcanmaketheroundsforanhourorso,butmyguysarealittleannoyedaboutthe

wholeRachelsituation.Ineedtomakesuretheydon’tfeelI’mignoringdutyforagirl.”

“You’retheirleader,”Aidenremindedhim.
“AndyouknowaswellasIthatatrueleaderrunswiththepack,ratherthanorderingfromtheback.”
“Fatherwouldbeproudofyou.Healwayssaidyouwerebornforthisjob.”
IthurttorememberConnorWhelan.TheirfathershouldhavebeenAlphaforsomanymoreyears,but

hislifehadbeencutshorttoosoon.AndneitherBradynorAidenhadbeentrulyreadyforthe
responsibilityoftakingonthepack.They’ddonethebesttheycould,withAidentakingthebruntofthe
responsibilityasAlpha.Theykeptorderandmaintainedtraditions.Buttheholetheirfatherleftinthe
packandintheirheartscouldnevertrulybefilled.

Bradydidhisbesttohonorhisfather’smemory,andhearinghisbrother’spraisefilledhimwith

pride.“Thanks.Youtoo.Wemakeagoodteam.”

Aidenpattedhisbrotherontheback.“Go,then.Besocialforanhourandthentakeyourshifton

patrol.”

“I’llbringRachelwithme,”Bradysaid.
“Isthatwise?”
“She’llbesaferunningwithme.Andifthereisanissue,shecanrunback,soundinganalertwhileI

holdthemoff.”

Aiden’smouthformedahardline.Heclearlydidn’tagreewiththeplan,butheheldhistongue.
“Ithinkifanyattackiscoming,itwillhappenafterourpeoplehaveclearedaway.They’dbestupidto

hituswhilewehaveallthepacksassembled.”

“Famouslastwords,brother,”Aidensighed.
“Hey,don’tgoinvokingMurphy’sLawnow.Let’sbepositive.”
“Okay.Youdowhatyouhavetodo.”AidenheldouthishandforBradytoshake.“Meanwhile,let’s

getbacktotheparty.”

TWENTY

Stupid.Stupid.Stupid!Bradymentallyslappedhimselfashepoweredthroughthedarkwoods,searching
forlingeringtracesofRachel’sscent.

Heshouldhavelistenedtohisbrotherandleftherattheparty.Securitydetailhadahabitofbeing

especiallyboring.Necessary,butdullwhennothingwasgoingon.

They’dcircledtheperimeterhe’dsetforsecurityoncewithoutincidentandhadbeenreadytomakea

secondroundwhenRachelturnedtailandtookoff.

He’dlostsightofherintheblinkofaneye.Snowywhite,shehadperfectcamouflageinthewinter

woods,makingitthatmuchharderforhimtospother.

Somewherebetweenthesplinteringtreebranches,overloadedwithsnow,andthefrozencreekher

trackshadbecomemuddledwiththosefromthelasthuntingparty.Amuskysmellofwolfhungintheair,
butherparticularfragrancehadbeendrownedoutbyit.

Bradyhowledlongandsharp,morewarningthanarequestforreply.Hewantedanyonewithinrange

toknowhewasthere,onthehunt.

Hiscallearnedafewresponses,butnonecarriedanyurgency.Wherecouldshebe?Whythehell

wouldsherunoff?Anxietyhadhimturningaroundincircles,nearlyfrantictofindRachel.

Shewassupposedtobeunderhisprotection.Hecouldn’thandlefindingherinthesamestateshe’d

beeninthelasttimeshe’dbeenaloneinthesewoods.

Crunchingsnowcaughthisattention.HeturnedwithasnarlandcamefacetofacewithRachel’s

snowywhitewolf.Angerpinnedhisearsbackashelockedeyeswithher.

Shewaggedhertail,andwithayip,tookoffintothetreesagain,kickingupastormoffreshpowder

inherwake.

Isshetryingtogetherselfkilled?Hetookoffinasprintafterher.
Asifshewerecompletelyoblivioustowhatwasgoingonaroundher,shedartedinbetweentreesand

rancirclesaroundwhileBradygavechase.

Maybeshewasoblivious.Ormaybeshetrulyfeltsafewithhim.Herplayfulgameofchasewasjust

thesortofthinghe’denjoyinbettertimes,andtheideaofcatchingherashispreygavehiswolfextra
incentivetopickupthepace,butthevoiceofreasonwarnedthatlettinghisguarddownmightprove
disastrous.

Evenwithhisassurancesthatdangerwouldwaittofindthem,inthebackofhismindheknewthe

possibilitieswerethere.

Racheldartedandweavedassheran.Bradymatchedherpace,studyingherpathandanticipatingher

nextmoves.Finally,ashewasrunningshortonbreath,hecaughther,sendinghertumblingintothesnow.

Sheyelped,butheknewhehadn’thurther.Surprisedher,maybe.Andwhenshehoppedbackupon

allfours,thewagofhertailconfirmeditagain.

Bradypointedhissnoutinthedirectionofthecompoundandsnortedafoggybreathather.She

growledandhertaildropped,butshebegantotrotinthatdirection.

Howlsroseuponthebreeze.Butunliketheonesthathadansweredhismomentsearlier,thesecarried

franticurgency.BradyandRacheltookofftogetherinthedirectionoftheircall.

Asmallgroupofwolveshadgathered,someintheirwolfform,othersshiftinghuman,gazingdownto

thegroundasiftryingtogetabetterlookatsomething.

Bradypushedhiswaytothefrontoftheassemblyandshiftedimmediately.Belowhim,twomaleslay

inthesnow,theirthroatstornoutandtorsoscoveredinclawmarks.

TheicybreezebitatBrady’sbareskin,buthepaiditnoattentionasheinspectedthedead.“What

happenedhere?”

Everyonelookedtooneanother,butnoonehadanswers.
“Didanyoneseewhodidthis?”Bradybentforacloserinspection.Theywerehiswolves.He’djust

relievedthemofdutywhenheandRachelhadbeguntheirrunthroughtheforest.“Damnit!Whatthefuck
happenedhere?Someonespeak.Now!”

Awolfhedidnotrecognizesteppedforward,trembling.“Wewerechasingdownsomerabbits.A

littlegameofwhogetsonefirst,youknow.Meandmymate,”Hereachedoutahandandpulledafemale
inclosetohim.“We’dheardawarningcallafewmomentsearlier,soweturnedtocomebacktothe
compound,andfoundthembothhere,likethis.”

“Securitywouldhaveworkedinpairs,”Bradymumbledtohimself,assessingthesituation.

“Calculatedattack.”

“Doyouwantustocarrythemback?”thewolfsaid.
Bradyturnedonhim,partlyangryathimselffornotfocusingonhispatrolroute,partlyangrythathe

hadtodealwithanunfamiliarwolf.Everyonebecamesuspectatthispoint,makinglifeinfinitelymore
difficultthanitshouldbe.“Whatpackdoyoubelongto?”Bradysnarled.

Tremblingandnotbotheringtohideit,thewolfresponded,“Itwasn’tme.Iswear.”
“I’mnotblamingyou.”He’dalreadytakenaccountofthelackofbloodorscentofdeathclingingto

thefrightenedwolf,butthefacthedidnotknowwhothismanwashadhimonedge.Howmanyother
wolvescouldhaveinfiltratedtheirranksinoneday?

“Sorry.Ijust...Firstonthesceneoftengets―”
“Name,man.”Bradybarkedinfrustration.“Whatpack?”
“We’refromJersey.UndertheOldeTown.FamilynameRace.”
“Thankyou.”Bradysighedandallowedhimselftobreatheamomentbeforecontinuing.“Yes.Please

bringthembacktothecompoundandassembleyourpackwhenyoudo.”

“We’renotinanytrouble,arewe?”
“Forgods’sake,man.Wehaveamurdererontheloosewhojusttookouttwoofmyhighlytrained

securitydetail.Worryaboutyourpeople,notyourneck,”Bradysnarled.

Helookedtothosesurroundinghim.“Gettothecompound.Now.”
Rachelcameupnexttohimandrubbedupagainsthislegasiftosay,“I’mhereforyou.”
“HowcouldIhavebeensowrong?”Helethishandfallandpettedherheadgently.“Thebattlehas

alreadybegun.”

TWENTY-ONE

“Wherearethey?”Bradybellowedasheenteredthecompound,makingabeelinetowardthesecurity
wing.

“Weheardtheemergencyhowl,”Aidensaid,ashemethiminthelobby.“Theothersarestillin

lockup,wherewesaidwe’dkeepthemuntilthiswholethingblewover.”HematchedBrady’spaceas
theycontinueddownthehallway.“Itwasn’tthem,brother.”

“Arewesure?BecauseIhavetwoonmyteam,founddeadinthewoodsnottwentyminutesago.”

Bradyrushedaheadpasthisbrothertowardthedetentionareawithmurderousintent.

RachelremainedbehindwithFalloninthelobby.
HecameupontheroomwhereMarkandLouishadbeenlockedup.Awolfstoodguardoutside,and

theboredexpressiononhisfaceconfirmednothingofinteresthadhappenedrecently.Bradygrowledwith
disappointment,hopingtohavereasontopunchsomeoneandworkouthisanger.

Guiltgnawedathimfornotpayingcloserattentionwhileonhisshift.Heshouldhavecaughtasightor

asmell–somethingtoalerthimandpreventtwoofhismenfrombeingmurdered.

Louis’soverpoweringcolognenearlychokedhimasheapproachedthedoor,furtherconfirmationthat

neitherhenorMarkhadlefttheroom.

“Howmanywolvesweresenttoattackus?”Bradysnarledasheopenedthedoortotheirroom.

“WhatdidyoutellCharlesfromyourlittlereconnaissancevisit?”

Markflewtohisfeet,handsintheair.“WeconfirmedonlywhatCharlesalreadyknew,thatyouhad

thebulkofyourterritoryaroundforagathering.”Markputonabelievableenoughshowoffear,but
Brady’sangerstillneededanoutlet.Hestalkedtowardhim,fistsballed,readytostrike.

“AndwhatwereCharles’sthoughtsonourlittleparty?”
Markhesitatedbeforespeaking,asifnotsurehiswordswouldincitemoreanger.“Thatitwouldbe

ill-advisedtoattackwhenyouwereatfullstrength.”HiseyesdartedbetweenBrady’sangryfaceandhis
boulder-likefists.“Idon’tknowwhyhe’dsendanyone.”

WhywouldherisksendingpeopleinwhiletheOldeTownwasatfullstrength?Bradythoughtonit

foramoment,tryingtoputhimselfinCharles’sshoes.

“Selectiveattack.”Bradyrealizedhowstupidhe’dbeentonothavethoughtofthissooner.“He’s

goingaftermysecuritydetails.Stayingontheoutsideandpickingoffthefightersonebyone.Sowhen
we’renolongeratfullstrength,we’llbeseverelyweakened.That’swhathe’sdoing.”“

“Butwouldn’tthatbestupidtodo?”Markasked.“Iwouldhaveassumeditsmartertowaituntilyou

were―”

“HowlongdidyoutellCharleswe’dbeentertainingthepacks?”Bradycuthimoff.
Markgulpedbackabreath.“Justthroughtheweekend.”
“They’llbeheremuchlongerthanthat.”Bradyturnedtofacehisbrother.“Sendthoseunabletofight

home,butanyablebodiedwolfofageshouldstay.Weneedtoprepareforanattack.”

“Ihadhopeditwouldnottrulycometothis.”Aidennodded.“Ourlastconversationwentsurprisingly

well.”

“Whattermsdidyouagreedto?”Bradyaskedcuriously.
Aidenstoodthoughtfulforamoment.“IsuggestedwebringourdisagreementstothenextRegional

meetingtobedecidedbycouncil.”

“Andheagreed?”MarkaskedthequestionbeforeBradycould.
“Hedidn’tdisagree,”Aidenreplied.
“Stallingwhileheplacedhispiecesontheboard.”Bradyspokehisthoughtsoutloud.
Aidenballedupafistandpunchedhishandinanger.“I’llhaveCharles’sheadforthis.”
“I’llgiftwraphimforyou,brother.”BradyheldhishandoutandAidentookit.
Brothersfirst,theirconnectionwentfurtherthanjustpackposition.Somemightsquabbleoverdetails

andlayblameforhowthesituationhadunfolded,butnotthem.Inthatmomenttheywereofonemind,not
needingtorelyontheirofficialtitlesofAlphaorEnforcer.Unitedintheprotectionoftheirpeople,both
Whelanbrotherswoulddowhateverittook.Bradymightleadthecharge,butheknewwithoutadoubthis
brotherwouldberighttherenexttohim,andtogetherthey’ddestroytheirenemy.

“Wewillfightwithyou,”Markaddedcautiously.
“Why?”Bradyturnedonhim.
“Becauseweneedahome.We’vealreadysaidwewoulddowhateveryouasked.Wewishtojointhe

OldeTown.”Markpulledhispartnerupbythescruffofhisshirt.

Louislookedannoyed,butnodded.“Wewantahome.So,yeah...Whateveryouneedfromus.”
“Istilldon’ttrustyou,butifyou’rewillingtobleedforthepack,thenyou’llgettheopportunityto

proveit,”Aidensaid.HeturnedtoBrady.“Youwillneedtoadjustyoursecuritypatrolstoavoidany
furthersurprises.Meetmeandtherestofthecouncilinfiveminutes.ImustalerttheAlphasofourplan
quietly,soasnottocauseapanic.”

Bradynoddedandturnedtowalkaway.
“Whatdowedo?”Markasked.
Thedoorbehindhimwaswideopen.
“Youwanttofight?You’llbeputonpatrolwithmyguys.”Bradyreplied.“Followme.”

TWENTY-TWO

BradyrushedtothesmallcouncilmeetingwithMark,Louis,andRachelintow.“We’llsendyou
somewheresafe,”hesaid,hopingshewouldtakehimupontheoffer.He’dsavedherfromdeathonce,but
couldn’tbesurehe’dgetasecondchancewhenthebattlebegan.

“No!”Sheslammedafistintohischest.“I’mnotsomeweakthing.Whenyoufoundme,I’dbeen

ambushedafterdaysontherun.”

Theimageofherlyingneardeathandhalfburiedinthesnowwouldforeverbeburnedintohis

memory.Andtheveryrealpossibilityofithappeningagainscaredhim.Hemightnothavevoicedhis
thoughtsofgivingtheirrelationshipachance,butthethoughtofitbeingtakenoffthetablewithherdeath
threatenedtoundohim.

“I’mnotrunningnow,andI’mmorethanreadyforafight,”Rachelsnarledathim.“I’mputtingmy

footdown,Brady.Ihavejustasmuchreasontofightasanyofyou.”

“Asyouwish.”Bradyhadnochoicebuttoagree.“Butfornow,canyoubabysittheseassholeswhile

I’minthemeeting?”HeshotasidewaysglanceatMarkandLouis.

Rachel’ssneerdeepened,butshenoddedallthesame.“Fine.”
“Wewon’tbelong,Ipromise.Don’tkillthemjustyet.”
“It’sfine,”shegrumbled.“Aslongastheyaregood,thenIwillbetoo.Dowhatyouhavetodo.”
Louislookedasifhehadsomethingtosay,butMarktookhimbythehandandwhispered,“Begood,”

beforetheloudmouthwolfstartedawarrightthereinthelobby.

BradywouldhavestayedtoseeRachelwipethefloorwithhim,butdutycalled.
“Beextravigilant,”Bradycautioned.“Trustnoone.”
“Go.I’llbefine.Who’sgoingtodareattackmeinsideoftheAlpha’sden?”Rachelreasoned.
“Famouslastwords.”Bradywaggledaneyebrowather.Temptressthatshewas,ofcourseshe’ddare

fatetohaveagoather.

“Right.Murphy’sLaw.Sorry.”Rachelsatdownandpickedupamagazine,makingagoodshowof

beingintriguedbythehuntingtipsonthecover.

He’dneverfeltsoprotectiveofsomeonebefore.Andhelplessatthesametime.Wasthislove?

Couldn’tbe.Noonefellthatquicklyforsomeonetheyhardlyknew.

HebumpedintoFallonasheenteredtheoffice.
“Areyoustaying?”Bradyasked,alittleshockedtoseeherthere.Allthosewhowerenotplanningto

fighthadbeeninstructedtoheadfurthernorthtotheirotherdeepwoodscompound.

“OfcourseIam.”Fallonlookedasthoughhe’dinsultedher.“WhenhaveIeverrunfromafight?”
“Ididn’tmeanitlikethat.Ijustwondered...”Bradyfoundhimselfunabletofinishthatsentence.He’d

alreadystuckhisfootinhismouthonce.

“I’mnotmad.”Fallon’sexpressionsoftened.“Iknowyou’rejusttryingtolookout.Andbetweenyou

andme,IreallywishLyssawashere.”

“Itwouldbenicetohavethevamps’support,forsure.”Thatwasawishhecouldgetbehind.The

OldeTownwasthebesttrainedoftheNorthAmericanterritoriesforbattle,butonlybecausetheyhad
beenthroughsomany.FightswiththeActaSanctoruminrecentyearshadcausedtheirnumbersto
dwindle,andevennowwiththeadditionalsupportfromotherpackswithintheirterritory,hefeltasif

theywererunningaskeletoncrew.AndthePeregrinusclan,smallastheywere,hadproventhemselves
damnedgoodinafight.EspeciallyFallon’sbestfriend,Alyssa.

“Yousoundworried,”Fallonnoted,afterhe’dlethisthoughtsrunawaywithhim.
Bradyshrugged,hopingtogiveoffacasualappearance.“Moreconcernedthanworried.”
“Samething,idiot.”Fallonsmackedhimplayfully,butherattempttolightenthemooddidnothingto

alterhis.

“WhatImeanis...”Hewasn’tevensurehowtofinishthatsentence.Spottinghisseatopennextto

Aidenatthedesk,hewalkedoverslowly,givinghimtimetoformthewordsheneeded.“Whynow?Why
attackusatall?Thisallsmacksofasetup.”

EmmaandStephenenteredtheroomandtooktheirseats,lookingtoBradyasheattemptedtofinish

histhoughts.

“CharleswaspartofthatwholeshadydealwithGiselle’sfamily,backinWashington.Thatwasonly

acoupleofmonthsago,”Bradysaid.

FallontookherplaceatAiden’ssideandpulledherlaptopoutofhershoulderbag.“Buthewasweak

then,”shenotedthoughtfully.

“HewasonlyweakwhenMishawasexecuted,”Aidenadded.“Beforethat,hewasjustasvocal

aboutdenyingGiselle’sclaimtobeAlphaoftheLongTeethterritory.”

Jacksoncameinlast,completingthesmallcouncil,andslippedintohisseatwithoutsayingaword.
BradynoddedtoJacksonbywayofgreetingandcontinuedtheconversation.“So,doyouthinkhehas

anewpartner,givinghimthisnewbackbone?”

“Iwouldn’tventureasfarastosaynew,butdefinitelyapartnerwithabackbone,”Aidenreplied.

“Thetimingistoomuchofacoincidence.IsuspectsomeoneistryingtorestructuretheNorthAmerican
territories.”

“I’mnotfollowingyourtrainofthought,”Bradysaid.
“TheLoupsarestillunstablesinceMisha’ssentencewascarriedout.Thatleavesahugechunkof

landatourborderspracticallylawless.GoodtimingfortheRedstocomeupfromthesouthandpushus,
especiallyiftheyhavesomeallieslookingtoestablishanewboundary.ButtheRedscan’tdoitontheir
own.WeknowCharlesisn’tthatstrongaleader.Hewouldhavetogainsupportelsewhere.”

“Sowho’swhisperingthesebattletacticsintoCharles’sear?Iwonder,”Bradyasked.
“That’sthepartwedon’tknow,”Fallonanswered.“Whoisagreatbigquestionmark.”
“HaveweheardfromtheSilvermanfamily?Aretheybeingpinchedaswell?”Bradyasked.
“Goodquestion.”Aidennoddedthoughtfully.“Ifsomeoneisdestabilizingtheterritories,theirsisthe

nextlargest.”

“WhatabouttheLobos?”Fallonoffered.
“Myreadonthemwasgood,”Bradyresponded.“AtleastwhenwemetTitoandYanira,theyseemed

genuine.AndtheywantedanalliancewithGisellewhenshewasupforAlpha.”

“Maybewearen’tdealingwithanestablishedAlphathen,butsomeoneworkingtheirwayupthe

chain,”Fallonsaid.

“That’sevenscarier,”Emmaadded.“Anyonecouldbesuspect.”
“I’llputacallintotheLongTeeth’sAlpha,Aeson,andseewhatisgoingonwithhisterritory.”Aiden

jotteddownafewnotes.“Andwe’llneedtoreachoutcarefullytotheinterimleaderoftheLoupsand
TitofromtheLobostofeeloutthetemperamentoftheirpacks.Butfornow,weneedtosecureour
borders.Thoseunabletofightareontheirwaytoasaferlocation.Thosewhoremainwillbeunder
Brady’sorders.”

Bradynodded.
“Idefertoyou,brother,onmattersoftactics,”Aidensaid.“ButIwanttobeintheleadwhenwemeet

thefight.”

“I’dexpectnoless.”Bradysmiledathisbrother.
“Youtalkasifyouthinkthey’llattackasapack,”Jacksonsaid,asifnotcompletelyinagreement.
“Youdon’tthinktheywill?”Bradyasked.
“That’swhatweexpectofthem,yes.Butthey’vealreadytriedtopickoffpeopleoneatatime,”

Jacksonadded.

“True.Cuttingdownournumbers,asitwere.Butwolvesarepackanimals.Themainfightwillcome

enmasse,”Aidenresponded.“Itwillbeourjobtoprepareforit.”

“It’sallbecauseofthatgirl,isn’tit?”Stephensaid,withaside-eyeglaretoBrady.
“Shemighthavebeenasparkingelement,butthisfightwascomingregardless,”Aidenreplied,before

Bradyhadthechance.“Ifmyintuitionisright,theybotchedthefirstattempttoweakenus.Thatgirl,
Rachel,wasmeanttodieandcausechaosduringourcelebrations.Weshouldhavebeenfightingamongst
ourselvesoverhermurder,thusdestabilizingourterritory.Thatwouldhavemadeusweakandreadyfor
anattack.”

“Instead,itralliedustogether.Andtheylostoneoftheirown.”Bradyfinishedthethoughtbefore

Aidencould.

“Yes.Andnowthey’reforcedtoplaythehandtheyweredealt.”Aidensmiledconfidently.
“Ifwhatyou’rethinkingiscorrect,thenRachelisnolongerimportanttothem,”Stephenadded.
“She’llremainbymysideeitherway,”Bradysaid.
AidenleanedoverandwhisperedinBrady’sear.“Weknowhowtopick’em,eh?”
AquickglanceatFallongaveBradyareasontosmile.Rachelwasnothiswoman,butshehadthe

samewarriorspiritashisbrother’smate.“Aye,wepickthegoodones.”

BradylookedtoJacksonandStephen.“Allremainingwolvesaretoberehousedinsidethemain

building.Iwantnostragglersleftoutinthecold.”

Emmaraisedherhand.“I’mgoingtoneedextrahelpintheinfirmary.”
“CoordinatewithJackson.Anywolveswhoknowtheirwayaroundaband-aidshouldreportto

Emmaimmediately.”

“Good.We’veallgotourmarchingorders.Youtoyourbusinessandmetomine.Starttherounds

everyhalfhour,”Aidenordered.

Themeetingbroke,andBradyheadedbackouttoretrievehisgroupinthelobby.
“Louishassomethinghewantstosay.”MarkshovedhispartnerforwardthemomentBradycame

aroundthecorner.

“SorryI’vebeensuchaprick,”Louissaid,andforthefirsttimethesnarkhadbeenerasedfromhis

voice.

Bradyshruggedinresponse.
“Igetwhyyoudon’ttrustus,”Louissaid.“Iwouldn’teither.”Heliftedasharpenedclaw,makinga

fauxslashintheair.“We’retheenemy,forwhatit’sworth.ButIwantyoutoknow,Ihaveyourback.Put
meinthefrontline,andI’llproveit.”

“Whythesuddenshiftinattitude?”Bradyasked.
Louisblewoutabreathandrolledhiseyes.Hisdemeanorallbutscreamedannoyed,butwhenhe

spoke,hekepthistoneconversational.“Intheend,meandmypartnerneedaplacetoliveinpeace.Todo
that,wehavetoproveourselves.”

“Obviously.Butwhynow?”Bradyasked.
“Becauseyou’reabouttobeattacked.Timetodance,”Louissaid.
“Whathemeansis,nowornever,wehadbettershowourtruecolors,”Marktranslated.
“Thenyou’rewithme,”Bradygrudginglyresponded.“We’llbeonroundtheclockpatrols.”
Rachelsighed.

“Getoverit,babe,”Bradysaid,understandinghermisgivings.Butiftheywerewillingtobleed,he’d

letthem.“Allhandsondeck,nomatterhowdirtythosehandsare.”

“She’sgoingtotakeahellofalotmoreconvincing,”Marksaid.
“Clearly.”Bradyagreed.“Gettoit.”Hewavedahand,indicatingtheyshouldwalktowardthedoor.
Outside,Bradyshiftedandtookoffintothewoods.Hedidn’tlookbacktoseeiftheyfollowed;as

partofhissecurityteam,theywereexpectedto.

TWENTY-THREE

Thenextdaypassedinrelativecalm,thoughBradyhadallofhispeopleonthetightestofschedules.The
additionalsupportofthewolveswho’dstayedbehindafterthefestivitieswasusedtokeepwatchonthe
groundswhileBradyandhissecurityteamsexploredfurtherawayintothewoods.Thenaturepreserve
theyinhabitedencompassedmanymilesofforestwithlittletonoaccessbyvehicleandasmallstream
thathadhalffrozenover.Withsomuchlandtocover,theyextendedtheirshifts,searchingforanysignof
strangers.

Bradypacedanxiouslywhenhislastgroupdidnotreturnedtothecompoundasexpected.Fearingthe

worst,hecalledRachel,Mark,andLouisdownearly.Theirshiftonpatrolwasn’tforanotherhour,buthe
couldnotwait,wonderingifhiswolveswereouttheredyinginthesnow.

“Youwanttoproveyourself?Thenlet’sgo,”Bradyordered,asableary-eyedLouisambledthrough

thefrontdoor.

Louislookedasifhewantedtosaysomethingsnarky,butheheldhistongue,evenwithoutthesupport

ofhispartner.

Marklookedevenworseforwear,ifpossible,yawningashestaredoutattheawaitingtreeline.
“Iknowyou’retired.Weallare.Butwehavetwoguysouttherealone.Ourjobistoretrievethem

andreturnhere.Shouldweencounteranysurprises,Iwillinstructyoutoreturntothecompoundandalert
theothers.”He’dhavepreferredtogooutwithhisownteam,guyshecouldcounton,butbecausenoone
trustedMarkandLouis,Bradywasstuckwiththem.

Rachelatleastwouldhavehisback,thoughhewasn’tsurehowgoodshe’dbeinafight.
Bringinguptherear,thegirlinquestionwasthelasttoarriveoutside,butunliketheguys,shelooked

atleastsomewhatready.

Bradyshiftedonthespotandtookoff,leadinghisgroupintothewoods.Nosetotheground,he

sniffed,lookingforanyunfamiliarscents.

Wintercleansedtheairwithaspecialkindofcrispness.Theblanketofsnowmutedoutmanyofthe

morecloyingscentsintheforest.Bradybreathedindeeply,pickingupamustyodor.Faint,distant,almost
hiddenbeneaththenotesofpine,henearlymissedit.Butthemomentherecognizeditforwhatitwas,he
tookoff,followingituntilitbecameallhecouldsmell.

Twowolvescameintoview.Theystoodsniffingthesnowwithinterestaheadofhim.
Hehopedtheywouldturnouttobehismissingpatrol,butevenasgotcloser,hecouldn’tbecertain.

Graywasthemostcommonofcolorsamongwolvesofhiskind,withonlyafewlikeRachelandFallon,
sportingspecialvariations.Thesewolveswereas-generic-as-they-comegray,andthewaytheystood,
nosespinnedtotheground,hadhimcurious.

Bradyslowedhispaceandmadesurehekeptjustoutofsightanddownwind.Rachelandtheguys

cameupbehindhimandmimickedhismovements.Bradydroppedhistailandsweptthesnowwithitto
signalhisgrouptostayput.Hedartedaroundtotreesalongsidewherethetwowolveswerestanding.

Snowcrunchedunderhisfeetandimmediatelyalertedthetwowolves.Theirheadsperkedupand

theylookedtoBrady.

Theywerehis.Herecognizedthemoncetheireyesmetandtheyloweredtheirheadsinsubmission.

Safetoapproach,Bradywalkedforwardbutgavenosignaltohiswaitinggroup,hopingtheywould
remainwherehe’dleftthem.

Thegroundbelowwherethetwopatrolwolveswerestandinghadfaintspotsofblood;wolf,bythe

smellofit.Someonehadbeeninjured,butneitherofthesewolvesstandinginfrontofhimwasbleeding,
norweretheirsnoutsbloodyfromafight.

Theywererighttobecurious,buthewishedthey’dreportedinandtoldhimwhatthey’dfoundrather

thanleavehimpacing,wonderingifthey’dbeenattacked.He’dbringthatupintheirnextreview,butfor
themoment,he’ddoalittleinvestigating.

Bradysniffed,hopingtocatchmoreofthescent.Afewdropsfallingwhileaninjuredwolfranwould

createatrail.Ifonlyhecouldfindit...

Sniffingincirclesforafewmoments,hecaughtmoreofthescent,andfoundthefaintestdiscoloration

inthemuddysnow.Tracksaswell,buttheyweremixedwiththefootprintsofhisowngroup.Whoever
hadbeenbleedinghadusedthissamepaththeywereon.Evenfurtheronhecaughtthescentandfound
moreblood;definitelyatrail,butonethatledfurtherawayfromthecompoundandbeyondtheborders
theyhadsetfortheday’spatrol.

Rachelandtheguys,withouthisapproval,cameuptojoinhim.
Bradygrowledattheirdisobedienceandshiftedonthespot.“Backtothecompound.”
Rachelshiftednexttohim.“No.”
DisobediencewasnotathingBradyaccepted.Hesnarledatherandbyinstincthishandrose,buthe

didnotstrike.“YouwilllistenorIwillorderthemtodragyoubackkickingandscreamingallthewayto
thecompound.”

“Andthatwillalertanyoneintheareatoourpresence,”sheshotbackathim.
“Ineedtoinvestigatethis,”Bradysaidbitterly.Heropendisobediencewasembarrassinginfrontof

hiswolves.“Youwillgoandregroupwiththeothers.”

“Andwhatifyou’reambushed?Whowilltelluswhathappenedifyouare?”shecountered.
“IfI’mnotbackintwentyminutes,sendthecavalry,”Bradycommanded.Helookeddownathistwo

soldiersandnodded,andtheyyippedinagreement.

BradyturnedtoRachel.“Imeanit.Gobackwiththem.”
“No,”sheresponded.
“Iwillnothaveyoufollowme.Youcouldn’tholdyourpositionafewmomentsago.”
“Butthosewolveswereclearlypartofyourteam.”
“Thatisnotthepoint.Itoldyoutostay;youdidn’t.AndwiththeuncertaintyofwhatImightfindout

there,Ican’thaveyouaccidentallyalertingsomeonebynotfollowingorders.”

“Sorry...Ijust...Iwanttohelpyou.”Rachelhungherheadinshame.
“I’mdoingthistokeepyousafe.Iftherearemoreoutthere,Icandiscovertheirwhereaboutsbetter

alone.Iknowthesewoods.Iknowhowtotravelthemunseen.ButifIhavetoworryaboutyou,Iwon’tbe
abletodomyjob.“

Rachelshifteddownwithoutanotherword,butthewayhertaildroopedsaidmorethanwordshow

shefeltaboutthesituation.

Hedidn’thavetimetotrytosmooththingsoverwithher.Rachelwouldeithergetoveritornot.

Bradyhadajobtodo.Heshiftedandtookoffinthedirectionoftheblood,runningdeeperanddeeper
intothewoods.

Thescentofwolfincreasedthefurtherintotheforestheran.Thereweremoreoutthere.Asthescent

ofblooddisappeared,theheavymuskofwolvestookover.Heapproachedasmallclearing.Makingsure
tostickdownwind,hepaddedlightly,keepingnearthetrees.

Downattheclearing,afewwolves–five,maybesix–wereclusteredtogether.Hardlyaforceto

takeonhispack,butdefinitelyenoughtopickoffhispeopleoneatatime.

Hewatchedclosely,hopingtoseeiftheymightleadhiminthedirectionoftheircamp.Thisfarinto

thewoodsthey’dneedshelter.Carscouldnotpenetratethisdeeply.Andfrommemory,nocabinsexisted

inthispartofthenaturepreserve.

Downbelow,theyseemedtobecongregating,asifwaitingforsomeoneorsomething.Afewpacedin

circles,whileothersrestedinthesnow.

Bradywaited,keepinganeyeonthewolveswhowerepacing.Iteventuallybecamecleartheywere

notgoingtomove,andhedidn’twanttowaittoolongbeforereturningtogetbackup.Beingaloneputhim
atrisk.Heturnedtailtorunbackandgatherhispack,andcamenosetonosewitharoguewolf.

Notingthefuraswhiteasthefallensnow,atfirsthethoughtRachelhadfollowedhim,butthiswolf

dwarfedhersize.Andwithhiscolor,thebastardwasbuiltforwinter.Onlythedarknessofhiseyes
ruinedhisnear-perfectcamouflage.

Snarling,thewolflungedatBrady,jawssnapping,andhisteethtookholdofachunkoffurbefore

Bradycouldmaneuveraway.

ThestingofhisfurrippingfromhisskinmadeBradyyelpbeforehecouldstophimself.Themoment

thesoundlefthismuzzle,heknewhe’dalertedtheotherwolvesintheclearing.

Notimetothinkaboutthem,though;assoonasBradyhadwriggledoutofthefirststrike,theother

wolfwasgunningforhishindquarters.Tuckingandrollingoutofreachofanothersnapofthejaws,
Bradythrewhimselfatapileofnewlyfallensnow,hopingtheexplosionofloosepowderwouldshield
himforamomentsohecouldfindawaytoputsomedistancebetweenhimandthewhitewolf.

Oneononehecouldhandle.Hell,eventwoormaybethreeononehecoulddo.Butifthoseother

wolveswereontheway,he’dbegrosslyoutnumbered,andhe’dbethenextdeadwolfhispackwould
findinthesnow.

Hisonlyoptionwastotrytocatchbackuptothegrouphe’djustsenthomeortorunintooneofhis

securitypatrolsforbackup.Andattheratethatwolfwasgainingonhim,heneededabitofluckonhis
side.

Runningasfastashispawswouldtakehim,Bradyletoutashort,sharphowltoalerthispeople.
Teethsnappedagain,grazingthefuronhishindlegs.Thewhitewolfwastoocloseandtoofast.He’d

beovertakensoonandtootiredtofightifhekepthiscurrentpace.

Bradycametoasuddenstop,andthewolfgivingchasepassedhimbybeforerealizingwhat’dhe’d

done.Itwasn’tmuchtime,butBradyonlyneededthosefewsecondstosethimselfandlungeforanattack.

Inthispositionhefeltcomfortable,beingontheoffensive,forcingtheothertoreacttohisattack.He

studiedhisopponent’smovementsashewentlowforthepaws,andthenreareduplikeabearandcame
downontopoftheotherwolf.

HowlsinresponsetoBrady’searliercallcarriedthroughtheairlikeabeaconofhope.
Thewhitewolfhesitated,andBradywaitedtoseewhathe’ddo.Surrenderwasanacceptablechoice,

andhe’dhonorthat.Butwhenthecrunchofsnowbehindhimsounded,Bradyrealizedthetruthofwhyhis
opponenthadstopped.

Hedidn’tneedtoturnaroundtoseethem;theoverpoweringsmellofwolffilledhissenses.He’d

alreadycountedthemintheclearing.

Runningwasn’tgoingtobeanoptioneither.Withoneinfrontandtherestathisback,they’dbeon

himbeforehecouldgetanywhere.Bradythoughtofshiftingandtryingtoreasonwiththem,oratthevery
leastaskwhattheyweredoing,butthesnarlsandgrowlssaidtheywereafterjustonething–blood.

Onlyonethingremained:godownfighting.
Bradysquaredhimselfoffwiththewolfinfront.Afairfightmeantonewolfwouldnotattackwhile

theotherwasinbattle.Hemightbesolucky.

Thewhitewolfmethiseyesdeadon,theAlphainhimspeakingtotheAlphainBrady.
Bringit,Bradythought,andhetooktheinitiative,divinglowatthewhitewolf’spawsandpulling

backjustasquickly.

ThewhitewolfsnarledandbackedupastepoutofthewayofBrady’sjaw,butitwasthewolves

behindthatattackedinresponse.BeforeBradyknewwhatwashappening,teethweretearingintohis
back.Someonehadholdofhistail,andanotherknockedhimclearintothesnow.Flatonhisback,he
kickedhispawsagainsttheblurofawolfwhocameoverthetopathim.Hesnappedhisjawashe
twistedandturnedtoavoidtheattackscomingathimfromallangles.

Blursofsnow,fur,andteethallmixedwiththepainofhisfleshbeingopenedup.Bradycontinuedto

struggle.Ifhewasgoingdown,he’dfighttotheverylastbreath.Todieawarriorwasanhonorable
death.

Bradyputallhisstrengthintohishindlegs,kickinghardatablurofgrayfurnearhim.Hefelthis

clawssinkingintothesoftunderbellyashekickedhardandwasrewardedwithayelpofpainfromoneof
theotherwolves.

Withtheoneabovehimgone,Bradywasabletosquirmaroundandgetbackuptohispaws,butno

soonerthanhehadstoodthananotherwolfwasonhisback,clampingitsjawsdownonthescruffofhis
neck.Hewentdownonhisfrontpawsandpushedhardagainwithhishind,sendingbothhimselfandthe
wolfontopofhimtumblingbackdownintothesnow.

Hedislodgedthewolfathisback,butanotherwasnippingathisheels.Bradygrowledinfrustration

andthenletoutahowl.Nosoonerhadheletouthiscallforhelpthanhefeltteethathisthroat.

Bradytuckedandrolledawaybeforetheirfangscouldbreakthroughhisfur.Hiscallforhelphad

beencutoff,butinthedistanceheheardananswer.Hopemightstillremainifhecouldlastlongenough.

Theotherwolveseitherhadn’theardthecallortheysimplydidn’tcare,continuingtheirrelentless

attack.

Teethbared,snappinghisjaws,twistingthiswayandthat,Bradyfoughtagainstthemasbesthecould,

butpainandexhaustionbegantoslowhisreactiontimes.

Avoidingthewhitewolf’sclaws,herearedback,trippingoveranotherwolfbehindhim,andlanded

wrongonhisweakleg.Themomenthewentdown,threeofthemwerethereabovehim.Teethlike
daggersbitdownonthesideofhisneck.Thecopperytangofbloodfloodedtheair,andlikesharksthe
wolvesfrenzied,readyforthekill.

PainforcedayelpfromBrady’sthroat,andthemomenthetriedtotwisthisbodyaway,hefeltskin

shredding.

Thatwasabadwound;Bradyknewit.Thefurathisneckbecamestickyandwet,andwarmth

replacedthecoldchillforonlyamomentbeforeturningicy.

Stillmorewolvesweresnappingathimasherolledoverandover,notmakingittohispawsbutstill

workingtokeeptheirteethfromfindingahomeinhisneckagain.

Searingpaininhislegstoppedhismomentum,andwithajerkoftheattackingwolf’shead,Brady’s

backlegsnappedlikeatwig.

Heyowledthistime,paintakingfullcontroloverhim,andthelastthinghesawbeforethedarkness

gavehimanescapewasthewhitewolf’ssmilingmuzzle.

TWENTY-FOUR

Harshlightsfromtheinfirmarygreetedhim.Bradyhadexpectedparadise–Nudegirlsonawhitesand
beachwearingnothingbutasmile.Hehadearnedawarrior’sdeath,afterall.Hewassupposedtobe
rewardedintheafterlife.ButEmma’sscowlingfacewasthefirstthinghesaw.

“Don’tyoueverscareuslikethatagain.”Shepunchedhiminthearmthemomenthiseyesfocusedon

her.

Stillextremelysore,Bradymoaned.
“Youweresupposedtohaveapartneroutthere.Idiot.Goingoutallbyyourself...whatthehellwere

youthinking?”Shelookedasifshewantedtostrikehimagain,butRachelinterruptedthem.

“He’sanidiot,forsure,butmaybeyoushouldlethimhealbeforeyoubeathimtodeath.”Shesounded

justasmad,butatleastherarmwasn’tcockedback,readytostrikehim.

“Hecantakeit.He’sseenmuchworseandcomebackfromit,”Emmareplied.
“HowdidI...”Bradystartedtosay.Hismemorywastoofoggytorecallmuchafterhewentdown.
“Wegottherejustintime.”Rachelreplied.“Thewholepackwasonyou.Theydidn’tseeus

coming.”

Bradytriedtositup,butasharppaininhislegstoppedhim.Hehissedashetriedtoshift,buteach

movementsentspikesupthroughtheinjuredlimb.

“Easynow.Youdon’thealthatfast,anditwasn’tacleanbreak,soit’sgoingtotakealittlelonger.”

Emmaplacedahandonhischest,urginghimtoliebackdownonthebed.

“Whatabouttheothers?Therewillbemore.Ihavetogetoutthere.”Downtimewasnotaluxuryhe

had,withwarloomingonthehorizon.

Emmafixedhimwithanangryglare.“YouwillstayputuntilIdeemyouwellenoughtoreturntothe

fight.Understand?”

Hemighthaveoutrankedherinpackhierarchy,butinthatinfirmary,shewastheboss.Frustrated,

Bradygrumbledsilentlybutlethimselfslipbackdownagainstthemattress.

“Asfortheothers,weclearedoutthepackthatwasonyou.Theinjuredarebeingquestioned.The

deadhavealreadybeenburned,”Emmaanswered.

RachelsatattheedgeofBrady’sbed,herfaceamaskfreeofemotions,butbehindit,Bradycouldsee

shewassuffering.

“Andourguys?”Bradyasked.
“Welostone,”Emmaanswered.“Anders.”
GuiltstruckharderthanifEmmahadpunchedhimagain.Bradyshouldhavebroughtthemallupwith

himonhisexcursionintothewoods.Hedidn’thavetogoitalone,butinhisarrogance,he’dsentthe
wolveswhocouldhaveaidedhimaway.Maybeifhe’dhadthemathissidefromthestart,thingswould
haveplayedoutdifferently.Thelossofanywolfinhispack,especiallyunderhiscommand,wasa
tragedy.“Iwillpersonallydelivermycondolencestohismate.”

“Onlyafteryou’rehealedup,”Emmabarkedathim.
“Whataboutournewrecruits?”Bradyasked,turninghisheadtoseeifanyoneelsewaslyingonthe

infirmarybeds.

“They’rewithAiden,questioningtheprisoners.”Rachelansweredthistime,andthoughhermask

coveredanyvisibleemotions,thewarbleinhervoicegavethemallaway.

“Areyouokay?”heasked.
“Thisisallmyfault,isn’tit?AllIwantedwastoescape,andlookattheresult,”shesaid.
“I’vesaiditbefore–youmighthaveplayedapart,albeitunknowingly,butthisisnotyourdoing,”

Bradyansweredback.“Charlesismanipulatingusallintowar,butforwhatreason,wejustdon’tknow.”

Hereyesbrightenedalittle,butguiltstillshowedclearlyonherface.“WhatifIvoluntarilygoback?

Thenhehasnorecoursebuttostopthisstupidfight.”

Bradyliftedhishandandcaressedhercheek.“Don’tdothistoyourself.You’rebetterthanthat.You

returningwilldonothingtostopthewar,itwillsimplyguaranteeyou’llbethenextcasualtyofit.”

Sheturnedawayasifhiswordshurther,theoppositeofwhathe’dtriedtodo.
“Noonecanblameyoufortryingtoescapeyoursituation.AndtheOldeTownisknownfordefending

thosewhocan’tdoitthemselves.”Bradysighed.Womenwereaconfusingbunch.

WhenRacheldidnotrespond,heturnedtoEmma.“Howlongwillittakemetoheal?Ineedtoget

backintoaction.”

Shelookeddownonherchart.“Brokenribs,multiplefractures,thirty-fourstitchesinyourbackand

neck,andashatteredleg.”Shechuckled.“Let’sgetyoufedandrestedandseeifyoucanshiftinthe
morning.”

Heletoutagrowl.Timewasteddoingnothing,whentheenemiescouldbeatthegate,readytoattack

again.

“Keeptestingme,”Emmathreatened,“andI’llputyouonbedrestforaweek.”
“Youcan’tdothat.Youneedmeoutthere.I’mthebestfighterthepackhas,”Bradyresponded.
“Saysthemanwhohadtobecarriedintomyinfirmarybloody,unconscious,andbeatenwithinaninch

ofhislife.”Emmashothimatold-you-soglare.

“Iwasoutnumbered,”Bradyshouted.
“Andstupid.”RachelcuthimtothequickbeforeEmmahadthechance.“Youshouldhavelistenedto

me.Ifyou’dletmeatleastgowithyou,Icouldhave...”

“Donewhat?Wereyougoingtofightthemtoo?We’dhavebothbeengrosslyoutnumberedandleftto

dieinthewoods,”Bradyshotbackather.Apoorrebuttalcomingfromhim,especiallyinhiscurrent
condition,andknowingbetter.Pridehadhimtryingtosavefaceeveniftherewasn’tmuchtosave.

“Betteroddswithmoreallies.AndbythatImeanthewholegroupofusyousenthome.Arrogant

jerk!”Rachelshouted.“You’rejustluckywedidn’tturntailandrunhomelikeyouordered,orwe’dhave
beentoofartorespondtoyourcall.”

“Bothofyoushutit,”Emmayelled.“Yes,Bradyisadumbass,andgotexactlywhathedeserved.

Thankgodhe’salive,though,becausewedostillneedhim.”Sheturnedherangerstraightathim.“NowI
canonlyhopeyouhadsomesenseknockedintoyouaboutbeingalonewolf.Nomoreplayingthehero...
Gotit?”

Notsincehismotherlecturedhim,manyyearsago,hadhebeenmadetofeelsosmall.Emmawas

right.He’dhadnobusinessgoingalone.He’dhaveneverriskedoneofhispatrolsbeingouttherealone,
andheshouldhavetakenhisgroupasawholetoinvestigateratherthanbeingthehero.

“Lessonwelllearned.”
“Good.Nowyou”–EmmastabbedafingeratBrady–“rest.Iwillhavefoodbroughtup.”
“I’dliketostaywithhim,”Racheloffered.
“No.Heneedssleeptorecuperate.Savesexforanothertime.”Emma’swordswerelaw,andthough

Rachellookeddisappointed,shestoodfromBrady’sbedsideandheadedforthedoor.

“Laterthen,”shesmirked.“Whenhe’sfeelinguptoit.”
Bradybithischeektohidethesmilebloomingacrosshisface.Alittlesexualhealingwasjustthe

thinghewanted.Laidoutonthetableunabletomove,ashewas,Rachelcouldridehimhardandtakehim

justthewayshewanted.ButthesharpnessofEmma’swolfpeekingoutfrombehindhereyesstolethat
happythoughtthemomentitflashedintohismind.

Jealousy,maybe?Shecouldn’tbethatangryathimforgettinghurt.WhywasEmmabeingso

territorial?Maybeitwasashe-wolfthing.Eitherway,Emmalookeddeadlyatthatmoment,andBrady
wasinnoshapetoputupafight.

“Food.Sleep.Heal.”HerecitedthewordsandhelduphishandintheBoyScoutsalute.“Onmy

honor.”

Emmarolledhereyesandheadedforthedoor.“Foodisontheway.Trynottostabyourselfwitha

forkordoanythingelsestupidtonight,eh?”

TWENTY-FIVE

Sleephelpedawolfheal.Butthethoughtoftwenty-fourhoursofdowntimemadeBradyantsy.Whatif
thereweremoreofthosepacksoutthere,strategicallystationed,justwaitingfortherightmomentto
strike?

Hetriedtositupagain,buthisshatteredlegmadeitselfplain.Hewouldnotbemovingitanytime

soon.Justthethoughtofcallinghismusclestoactionsentspikesstraightuphisthigh.Hischestdidn’tfeel
muchbetter.Crackedribsweretheworstkindofinjury.Therewasnothingtodobutwaitforthepainto
subsidebecauseanymovementlitacageoffirearoundhismidsection.

Foodwouldhelpspeedhishealingtoo.Oh,whathewouldn’tgiveforararesteakatthatmoment!

Thickandjuicy,practicallymooingontheplate.

Hiswolfagreedtoo,witharumblinggrowlofhunger.
Bradylookedaroundtheroomforsomethingtoentertainhimselfwith.NotevenaTVtowatch.

Torture.He’dhavetosettleforwatchingthesecondhandoftheclockforexcitement.Ticktockticktock.

“Wasn’tsomeonesupposedtobringmefood?”hegroaned,loudlyenoughforanyoneoutinthe

hallwaytohear.

Arushoffeetoutsideinthehallwayhadhimsalivating.Ahungrywolfwilleatjustaboutanythingput

infrontofthem.Hell,theycouldslapaplateofvegantofusurprisedrenchedinfauxcheeseandBrady
wouldlapthatshitup.

Thefootstepsoutsidepassedjustasquicklyasthey’dcome,andBrady’santicipationfadedto

disappointment.

Maybeheshouldn’thavemouthedofftoEmma.Itwouldbelikehertotellhimfoodwasontheway

onlyasatease–paybackintheonlywaythegooddoctorknewhow.

Butevensheknewhowbadlyhurthewas.Awolfherself,she’dbeextremelykeentomakesurehe

wasproperlyfedsohehealed.

Morefootstepsoutsidehisdoorrushedpastagain.
Peoplewereinagod-damnedhurry,itseemed.Butnottobringhimfood.
Hungerturnedtoanger.Andhe’dnevergettherestheneededinthisstate.
Hetriedtomoveagainandfindsomecomfortonthetoo-squishymattress,butevenscootingover

slightlymadehiseyeswaterashebitbackamoanofagony.

“Fuck!”Bradyyelled,frustrated.
Unabletomove.Unabletoeat.Unabletotakehismindoffofthefacthecoulddoneitherofthefirst

two.

“Someonegetinherenow!”Bradyshouted,asanotherrushoffeetpassedbyhisdoor.“Hello!”
Butnooneanswered.
Thiswastrulywhathellmustbelike.
Hiswolfechoedhisagitation,amplifyingtheangerwithinBradytodangerouslevels,andjustashe

feltreadytoreleaseatiradeofobscenitiestogetsomeone’sattention,heheardshatteringglass.

Notonce.Noteventwice.Itwasasifallthewindowswereshatteringatthesametime,allaround

him.

Hisheartstutteredandforabriefmomentallsoundhadbeenmuted.
Thencamethescreams.

Hisworstnightmarehadcometrue.They’dplannedtocontaintheattackawayfromthecompound,to

keepthewatchandspottheintrudersbeforetheycouldgetthisclose.Andnowitwashappening,andhe
couldnotevengetoutofbed.

Screamsbecamesnarls.Moreglassshatteredinthedistance.Hisearspickeditallupwithdeadly

clarity.

Theinfirmaryhadasmallwindow,blockedbyverticalblindssohecouldnotseewhatwascoming,

butbehindtheslatshecouldseeaflickeroforange.

Firesprinklerseruptedoverhead,showeringBradywherehelay.
Itallhappenedsoquickly,andyetforBrady,timestoodstill.
Hiswolfwasreadyforafight,buttrappedinhisbrokenbody,Bradyfeltasifhewereawaitinghis

death.

Hepushedhimselfuptositting,usingthestrengthofhisarmsratherthanhiscoremuscles,andbit

downashisbodyprotestedthemovements.Bythetimehehadliftedandadjusted,hewaspantingoutthe
painlikeawomaninlabor.Tearsdrippedfromthecornersofhiseyes.

Bradyhadneverattemptedtoshiftbeingthisinjuredbefore.Emmahadtoldhimtowaituntilhewas

better,buttimewasoftheessence.

Hecalledforthhiswolf.
Hisskintingledasthenewfursprouted.Hisfingersandtoesshrank,sendingtwingesofdiscomfort

throughhisbody.Shiftingwastypicallyeffortlessandpainless,thoughtoanoutsiderithadtolook
horrifying.

Bradytookadeepbreathtocalmhimselfandwelcomethewolfout.Hisfracturedarmsnappedasit

reformed,anddespitehisbesteffort,Bradyyelpedinpain.Hisribsexpandedandcontracted,cracking
andsnappingastheyknittogether.

InstinctratherthanvoluntarymovementcausedBradytodoubleoverinpain.Sittingprecariouslyas

hehadbeenontheinfirmarybed,helostbalanceandtoppledover.

Bonescrackedashecollidedwiththegroundhalfshifted,halfman.Unabletocontinue,asthepain

wastoomuchtohandle,hegaveintothepainandstoppedhisbodyfromdoinganything.

Outsidehisdoor,BradyheardRachel’svoice.“He’sinthere.Wehavetoget...”
Herwordscutoffquickly,followedbyashriekthatcouldonlybefrompain.
Angerflaredagain,butthistimeitwasnotfromlackoffood.Rachelwasunderhisprotectionstill.

Morethanthat,shewashis.Noonewouldhurther.Notwhilehestillhadbreathinhislungs.

Knowingtheagonyhewasinfor,Bradyclenchedhisteethandtookadeepbreath,callinghiswolfup

oncemore.

Everynerveendingfeltasthoughitwereonfire.Bradyhadneverexperiencedsuchawholebody

sensationofpureagony.Hisshatteredlegsnappedsomanytimes,hewonderedifitwouldbelyingonthe
floorbehindhimafterhefinishshifting.

Whenhefinallybecameafullwolf,Bradycollapsedagain,exhaustedfromtheeffortittooktoget

throughthetortureofchangingforms.Hisbodyhadnotbeenreadytotakeonthechange.Painechoedin
wavesfromalltheplaceshehadbeenhurt.Ifithadn’tbeenforthesoundsofstruggleandtheyelpsof
injuredwolvesjustoutsidehisdoor,he’dhaveallowedhimselftodriftawayintounconsciousness.

“Backoffyoubastard!”ThistimeitwasFallon’svoicethatrousedhimfromnearslumber.
Shesoundedsoclose,butasheliftedhiseyes,thesightoftheinfirmaryremindedhimofwherehe

wasandwhatwasgoingon.

Musclesprotesting,screamingathimtostop,Bradypushedhimselfup,testingthestrengthofhis

injuredleg,andwhenitheldweight,heboundedtowardthedoorandflippedthelatchhandlewithhis
snout.

Thesoundsofthebattleheardthroughthemufflerofthedoorcouldnothavepreparedhimforthe

carnagehecamefacetofacewithwhenhemadeitintothehallway.

Wolvesfightingwolves.Bloodsplatteredonthewalls.Deadlyingwheretheyhadfallen.Andbefore

hecouldturnhisheadtoseedowntheothersideofthehall,awolfcollidedwithhimnearlyknocking
Bradytotheground.

Friend?Enemy?Innocent?
Noneofthatmatteredatthemoment.HeneededtofindRachelandFallon.Theirswerethelastvoices

he’dheardinthishallway.

Ragedrownedoutthescreamingofhismuscles.Bradyturnedontheattackingwolfwithallthespeed

hehadandlungedforward.Snappinghisjawstogetholdofanysmallbitoffurorskinhecould,he
clampeddownandtwistedhishead,rippingawayfleshandfur.

Theotherwolfrolledtothegroundwhimpering,andbeforehecouldgetup,Bradypounced,goingfor

theneck.

AfeminineshriekpulledBradyawaybeforehecouldfinishthejobanddestroytheinjuredwolf.

Luckyforhim.AndBradytookoffdownthehallwayinthedirectionofthesound.

AwolfaheadofhimlockedeyesandstoodhisgroundasBradyapproached.Hischallengemeant

nothingtoBrady.Runningwithasmuchspeedashecould,Bradyloweredhisheadandbarreledintothe
otherwolf’schestlikearam,usinghismomentumtoshovethewolfsideways.

AsharpstinginhistailpulledBrady’sattentionforamoment.Heskiddedtoahaltonthetilefloor

androundedonthewolfwho’dbithim.

Notimeforgames.Hesnarledasheattacked,divinglowandusingthepowerofhisjawstobreakthe

wolf’sfrontpawbeforehecouldreact.

Bradytwistedaroundagainandusedtheweightofhisbodytoshovetheinjuredwolfoverandthen

continuedhissprint.

Inthemainlobby,thebloodyscenewashighlightedbyfiresnotyetputoutbythesprinklersandthick

cloudsofsmoketrappedintheceiling.

Bradylookedaround,hopingtofindaclueastowheretogonext.
Manyofthefightingwolveshadtakentheirbattlesoutsidetoescapethefire,andBradyhopedif

FallonandRachelhaddonethesame.

HeboundedthroughtheshatteredfrontdoorandcaughtsightofamancarryingFallonawayonhis

shoulder.

AngerburnedwhitehotwithinBrady.Hisinstinctsaidtorunhardandfastafterthebastard,butwith

somanyotherwolvesaroundhecouldn’tbesurehewouldn’tbefollowed.

Andhestillhadn’tmanagedtolocateRachel.Ifanythinghappenedtoher,he’dneverforgivehimself.
Glancingquicklyaround,hehopedtocatchasignofher,butneitherherwhitewolfnorherhuman

formwaswithinsight.Fallon,however,was;andshewasinimmediatedanger.Hehadtotakecareof
her.

KeepingFalloninsight,Bradymadehiswayslowlythroughthefightingpacksuntilthemancarrying

herpassedintothetreeline.Thenwithallthespeedhecould,Bradyboltedafterthem.

Healmostmadeitintotheedgeoftheforestwhenanotherwolfcaughtuptohim,trippingBrady,

knockinghisbadlegoutfromunderhim.

Bradytoppledtothegroundandrolled,narrowlymissingthedeadlysharpteethofhisopponent.He

gainedhisfootingfastand,baringhisownfangs,letoutagrowlthatpromiseddeath.

TheotherwolfnarrowedhiseyesatBrady,snarlinginresponse,butdidnotmakethefirstmove.
Notimeforgames,Bradyfakedsideways,andwhentheotherwolfreacted,Bradylungedin,

snappinghisjawstightintothescruffofhisopponent,anddraggedhimtotheground.

TheotherwolfkickedandbitatBrady,buthewasn’tquickenough.Sinkinghisteethdeepintothe

otherwolf’sneck,Bradytastedblood.Hejerkedhisheadsideways,ensuringhe’dteardeepgashesinto
theotherwolf’sflesh.

YelpsfollowedthatmadeBradyevenmoreeagertobitedownagain,makingtheotherwolfsound

likeadyingsqueakytoy.

HefinishedthewolfquicklyandresumedhishuntforFallon’scaptor.
Timewasoftheessence.Hepushedhisbodyharder,runningasswiftlyashecouldthroughtheforest,

stickingclosetothetreesforcover.Themomenthespottedhisprey,helungedforwardandbitdowninto
theman’scalf.

Withastartledcry,themandroppedtothegroundandFallonfellwithathud,unconscious,alongside

him.

Snarling,Bradymadesuretoshowoffhisbloodstainedfangs,hopingtheintimidationfactoralone

wouldunsettlehisprey.

“Youmessedwiththewrongwolf,pal.”themanreplied,unfazedbyBrady’saggression.“Ihopeshe

wasworthit.”Heshiftedintoasolidblackwolf.

IfBradycouldhavespoken,he’dhavesaid,“Bringit,”butagrowlwasjustaseffective.
Theblackwolfdidnotwaittoattack.Themomenthe’dfinishedshifting,hewasonhispawsand

lungingatBrady.

Unliketheotherwolveshe’ddispatchedonthewayhere,thisdarkwolfwasclearlyafighter.

Snappinghisjawsmercilesslywithrapid-fireprecision,heforcedBradytobackupafewstepseach
time.

Bradytriedtogetanipin,buttheotherwolf’stacticwasrelentlessaggression,leavingnoroomfor

offense.Brady’shindlegmetwiththetrunkofalargetree,andhefoundhimselfsuddenlypinnedwithno
goodwaytomove.

OntheothersideoftheBlackwolflayFallon,unconscious.Behindherashadowmoved.Another

wolf.Asifthingscouldgetanyworse!

Withnowheretoturn,hesquaredhimselfforthenextattack,andwhentheblackwolflungedsnapping

hisjawsagain,Bradycopied,slammingintohisopponentfullforce.

Bradyquicklyreset,dovedownundertheotherwolf,andbroughthimselfupunderneath.Ittookall

thestrengthhisbrokenbodyhadasheliftedandpushedtheotherwolfoffbalance.

Theblackwolfrolledawayquicklyandcamebackwithswipingclaws.
Bradyturnedtoavoidbeingslashedandcaughtsightofthelurkingwolfgettingcloser.Hecouldn’t

fighttwoononeinthisstate.Heneededtoendthisfast.

Bradypushedbackattheblackwolf,actinglikearam,usinghisheadandbodyweighttoknockhim

offbalanceanddirectthefighttowardFallon’sunconsciousbody.

Tryashemight,theblackwolfwaslikeawall,counteringeverymoveBradymade,tiringhimout.At

fullstrength,Bradycouldhavehadtheupperhand,butweakashewas,itwasallhecoulddotonotfall
over.Andstillhetried.

Bradywentlowandtheblackwolfwenthigh.Miscalculatinghisstrike,Bradyexposedthesideofhis

neck,andtheblackwolfwasonhim,shreddingskinandfurashepulledBradydowntotheground.

Rustlingbehindthem,theotherwolfhadtobewaitingforthekill.Bradytriedtogetupbuttheblack

wolfhadhim,clampingdownonhisneck.Justonejerkanditwouldbeallover.

Aflashofsnowywhitefurflewoverhead,andsuddenlytheblackwolf’steethdisappeared.
Bradyscrambledtohisfeetintimetoseeherinaction:Rachel,fightingwithafurylikehe’dnever

seenbefore,snarlingandsnappingherjaws.Fightingasifsheknewallhismoves.

Bradyjoinedin,takingshotswherehecould.Distractionanddeceptiontogether,theymadeagreat

team,andwhenRachelknockedthebigblackwolftotheground,Bradywastheretoripthebastard’s

throatout.

Whenthelastwhimperoflifeescapedtheblackwolf,BradyturnedonRachel,expectingtoseeher

rightthere,butshehadalreadyjoinedFallonontheground.

Unconsciousbutbreathing,Fallonlookedasifshemighthavebeenmid-shiftbeforeshewasstopped.

Herclotheswereshreddedbutstilltryingtoclingtoherskin.Humanfleshdidn’tdoaswellinthecold,
andBradycouldtellhypothermiawasstartingtosetin.

Henudgedherwithhisnose,tryingtogetariseoutofher,butitwasRachelwhorespondedwitha

growl.

Hecouldn’ttakeherbacktothecompoundinthiscondition,norcouldheleaveherherealone.Brady

snortedahotbreaththatturnedtofogintheair,frustratedandneedingaquickandeasysolution.

Inthedistance,thesoundsoftheragingbattleconfirmedthewarwasfarfromover.Anotherworry

grippedhim.Wherewashisbrother?FallonshouldhavebeenwithAiden.

Bradyshifted,moreslowlyandpainfullythannormal,howlingwiththepainthatfadedintoagroanas

hisvocalcordsadjusted.Thecoldinstantlyassaultedhisnakedskin,anddespitethereformingofhis
body,theinjurieshe’dtakenmadetheirpresenceknown,remindinghimjusthowbrokenhestillwas.The
legthathadbeenpreviouslyshatteredthreatenedtogiveoutunderhisweight.Bradyleanedagainstatree
trunkforsupport,andashetookinadeepfrostybreath,hischestachedasifhisribswerestillbroken.
“Wehavetowakeherup.Ifshedoesn’tshift,she’llfreeze.”

RachelbentherheadandsniffedatFallon’sunconsciousbodyandthenlaydownnexttoher,likea

bigwarmteddybear.

“She’sstilllyinginsnow.You’renotgoingtokeepherwarmenoughlikethat.”
Rachelsnortedasiftosay,Iknowthat,asshole.
Bradylaughed,thenhissedthroughthepain.Everythingached.Buthehadbiggerissuestodealwith.

“Right.Igetit.You’retrying.”

RachelnoddedherheadatthedeadwolfandBradyinstantlyunderstood.“Oh,she’snotgoingtolike

thisonebit.”Helimpedoverandtookholdoftheblackwolfbythescruffofhisneckand,groaningwith
effort,draggedhimovertotheothersideofFallon.Gentlyheliftedherunconsciousbody,sittingher
almostuprightagainstthebulkofthedeadwolf’storso.

Bradykepthisearstunedtothebattleinthedistance,buthebentdownagainandfeltFallon’scheeks,

inspectingherforanysignsofoutwardinjury.

Herbreathingwasslow,butnotlabored.Unconscious,butwithnophysicalwoundtoshowforit.No

gooseeggonherhead,nobruises.Thatconcernedhimthemost.

“Wecan’tstayherelong,evenwithyouasablanket.Shehastobemovedifshewon’twakeuponher

own.AndI’llbettherearemorewolveslurkinginthewoodshere.”

Rachelwhimpered.Sheshiftedandstood.“Wecan’tgobackyet.Theyknewexactlywhototarget.

Wheretostrike.Aiden...”

“Whereismybrother?”Bradycouldn’tcontrolthesnarlinhisvoice.Hisbrothercouldholdhisown

inafairfight,ofthathehadnodoubt,butanambushwasfarfromfair.

“Idon’tknow.HesentmeandFallonawaywhentheystormedthecompound.LastIsawwashim

shifting.Ididn’twanttogo,butFallonpulledmeaway.Wewereheadingforyourroomwhenthey
attacked.”

“Whathappenedtoher?”BradylookedtoFallon.
“Fireballswerecomingthroughthewindowsasweran.Wolvesandhalf-shiftedmenwerepouring

throughtheopenholesinthewindows.Weweretryingtomakeittoyourroomandgotseparated.WhenI
foundheragain,shewastryingtoshift.IsaidI’dwatchherback,butsomeoneknockedmeinthehead
prettyhard.Whenmyearsstoppedringing,Isawherbeingflungacrosstheroom.Assoonasshewent
down,thatguyscoopedherupandwalkedout.Likeheknewexactlywhoshewas.”

“Andhetookherthisway.Whichmeanssomeoneofimportanceisouthere.”Bradythoughtfora

secondaboutwhatthatmightmean.AgeneralleadingfromthebackratherthananAlphainthemidstof
thefight–soundedmoreandmorelikeCharles’stactics.Goingbacktothecompoundtofightnolonger
madesense,notwhenhemightsniffouttheringleaderhereinthewoods.

Fallonmoaned,callingtheirattentiontoher.
“Ifshewakesup,wemighthaveachance,”Bradysaid.
“Todowhat?Wecan’tgobackintothatmassacre,”Rachelrepliedharshly.
“Afraidofafight?”Bradyteasedbuthishumorwaswastedatthemoment.ThesnarlRachelgavehim

wasevidenceofthat.

RachelbentdownandcuppedFallon’sfaceinherhands.“You’vegottowakeup,Fallon.Weneed

you.”Sheshooktheunconsciouswolfalittleandwhenthatdidnotwork,shegaveFallonalittlesmack
onthecheek.

“Heynow,”Bradysaid.
“Shecantakealittletaponthecheek.Weneedhertogetup.”Racheltappedheragain.“C’mon,lady,

wakeywakeytime.”

AmuscleinFallon’sfacetwitched,butshestilldidnotopenedhereyes.
“She’sprobablygotabadconcussion.Thecoldisn’thelpingeither.”Bradysighed,frustrated.
“Aidenneedsyou,”Rachelwhispered.“You’rehisonlyhope.Wakeup,Fallon.Saveyourmate.”
Likemagic,hearingthosewordsgotFallonstirring.Bradyunderstoodimmediately.Heshiftedonhis

feet,rememberinghowhearingRachelwasintroublehadspurredhimtogetoutoftheinfirmarybed
despitehisinjuries.Andnowthathispainwasonlyanechoofwhatithadbeen,itallmadesense.

Poetssay“LoveConquersAll.”Butreally,whatitdoesisgiveonethemotivationtotry.Fallon’s

smallmovementsandflutteringeyeswerefurtherproofofthat.

“C’monlady.Wehavetoendthis.Weneedyoutogetup.Aidenisstillintherefightingthegoodfight,

butwithoutyourhelpwecan’tstopit.”Rachelcontinuedhermotivationalspeech.

Fallongroanedandherhandliftedtoherhead.“Ouch.”
Bradykneltdowninfrontofher.“Welcomeback,sunshine.”
“Goscrewyourself,”Fallongrumbled.
“That’smygirl.Let’sgetyouup.”Bradyextendedahand.
Rachellookedconfused.
“She’smysister,”Bradysaidwithasmirk.“Pickingoneachotheriswhatwedo.”
HeheftedFallontoherfeetandheldhersteady.
“Here’stheplan.Outtheresomewhereistheringleaderofallofthis.Acowardwhowouldrather

sendotherstodotheirdirtywork.”

“Howdoyou―”Rachelstartedtosay.
“Savequestionsfortheend.”Bradyheldupahandtosilenceher.“Fallonwasbeingbroughtouthere

forareason.Ratherthankillheronthespot,shewasbaitorleverage...whatever.Sothatmeanssomeone
ofimportanceisouthere.Wefindthem.Webringthemhome,andletourjusticebedone.”

Rachelsmiledabroadtoothysmile.“Withpleasure.”
FallonlookedasifshemightfalloverifBradyletgoofher,butherspirithadnotbeenbroken.She

noddedandwhispered,“Okay.”

“Canyoushift?”Bradyasked.
“Can’treallyfightlikethis,canI?”Fallongrumbled.Shetookadeepbreathandbenttotheground,

placingherhandsintothesnow.Slowerthanusual,herfurbegantoappearandwithit,limbsbeganto
reshape.

RachelgaspedasshewitnessedFallon’stransformationintothebrightredwolf.“Holyshit.Lookat

hercolors.Whatkindofwolfisshe?”

Lookingmorefoxthanwolf,Fallon’suniquefurcoathadbeentheresultofvampirebloodaidingin

hertransformation.Bradysecretlyadmiredherspecialattributes.Smallerbutnolessdeadly,Fallonwas
trulyuniqueamongtheirkind.Inherwolfform,shewasunmatchedinspeedandhadthereflexesoftheir
undeadcousins.Morethanonce,Bradyhadwitnessedthebloodlustinhissister-in-law’seyes,butdared
notspeakofitoutloud.Andheneededhertotapintothatferalsideofherselfnow.

“She’saveryspecialkindofwolf,”Bradychuckled.
Oncetransformed,Fallontookafewwobblystepsbeforefindingherfootingandprancingaroundas

iftosayshewerereadytogo.

“Whenwefindthebastard,youletmekillhim!”Bradyshifteddownintohiswolf,welcomingthe

warmthofhisfurcoatandthankfulhiswolfwaslessinjuredthanhishumanform.

“NotifIkillhimfirst,”Rachelmumbledandshiftedafterhim.
Bradysniffedaroundforamoment,tryingtoretracehisstepsbeforethefightwiththeblackwolfso

hecouldgaugethedirectionhe’dbeenheading.Whenhefoundhisbearings,hetookoffdeeperintothe
forest.

He’dbeenraisedhere;heknewthelandwellandwherethenaturalbordersofthenaturepreserve

were.Hisfamilyhadrunthislandforgenerations.Butthedirectionhewasheadingnowtookhimtoward
thewater,adangerousareainthewinter.Theycalleditapond,butitwasreallymoreofalake,givenits
size,andinthemiddleofwinterthewaterfrozeonthesurfaceneartheedges.Notanareahewantedto
getintoafightnear.

Sureenough,ashenearedthepond,hecouldsmellthescentofanencampment.
Bradyslowedasheapproachedandsawthevirtualtentcitylaidoutbeforehim.Butitdidn’tmake

sense.HowwouldCharleshavegottensomanyofhiswolvesupthiswaysoquickly?Therehadtobe
hundredsoftentsintheclearingnearthewater’sedge.

FallonandRachelcameupbehindhim.Thelooksintheireyeswerejustasshocked.Thishadtohave

beenthoughtout–plannedfarinadvance.

BradyturnedtoRachel.Suspicionglintedinhiseyes.Ofalltheplacesshecouldhaverunto,whydid

shegonorth?Howmuchofthishadallbeensetinmotiontostartthewar?

Heshiftedagain.“Whathaveyounottoldme?”BradyaskedRachel.
Sheshiftedaswell,holdingherhandsupinsurrender.“IswearIknewnothingofthis.”
“Whydidyoucomenorth?”Bradyasked.“WhydidCraigseekyououthere,ofalltheplacesyou

couldhavegone?”

“Iwastryingtoleavethecountry.Ihadafriendinthepackwhosaidtheycouldgetmeapassport.

TheyhadacontactinIpswich.SoIwasheadingthere.”ThefearinRachel’seyesspokethetruth.

“Howlonghadyoubeenplanningyourescape?”Bradyasked.
“Months.”Rachelbreathedtheword.
“Yourfriendwasnotaverygoodfriend.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Rachelasked.
“Ipswichisafewmilesnortheastofhere.OurnaturepreserveiswellknownastheOldeTown

Pack’sbaseofoperations.”

“So?”Rachelaskedinconfusion.
“Youdidn’tfinditsuspiciousintheslightestthatyourformermateknewexactlywheretosendan

assassin?”

ShockreplacedtheconfusedlookinRachel’seyes.
Bradyansweredthequestionforher.“Theyknewyouwerecomingtoourterritorybecausetheysent

youheretodie.”

“Butyousaid...”

“Isaidyoudidn’tdoitintentionally,butyouweredefinitelysetupforthis,”Bradygrumbled.He

realizedhowquicklyMarkandLouishadreturnedtothenaturepreserveaswell.Itallbegantomake
sensetohim.Hadtheybeentrulywillingtochangesides,they’dhavetoldhimwhereexactlyCharles
was.Doubleagentsofthemostcowardlysort,theratswerespyingonthem.Heshouldhaveseenitall.
Andnowherewastheproof,plotted,planned,andexecutedtonearperfection.

Downbelowtheirpositioninthetentcity,hespottedafewpatrollingwolves,butheknewthe

majorityoftheirforceswereinbattlewithhisbrother.Butifhissuspicionwascorrect,thenatleast
Charleswouldbehere,andhecouldstillbringhimtojustice.

“We’regoingdownthere.Killanyoneyoucomeacross.Leavenowolfstanding.Iwilltaketheleader

alone,”Bradyordered,beforeheshiftedbackintohiswolfandstarteddown,notwaitingforananswer
fromRachel.Fallontechnicallyoutrankedhim,butshemadenoattempttoargue.

Silentlyheprowledintothecamp,avoidingthepatrollingwolvesashesearchedoutthemaintent.
RachelandFallondisappearedintotheshadows,andBradyhadnodoubtthey’ddotheirjobto

perfection.She-wolveswereoftendeadlierthanthemen,andwiththepairofthemtogether,nolone
patrolwolvesstoodachance.

Bradyfoundtheleadtentnearthewater’sedge.Largerandnicerthantheothers,itwasguardedby

twowolvesatitsfront,butaroundback,thesimpletarpwallwaseasytoslipunder.

Inside,BradyexpectedtofindCharlesMarsdenalonebutcamefacetofacewithanotherfamiliar

wolf:LeifChevalieroftheCanadianLykanssatinasmallfoldingchair,sippingtea.Dressedforadinner
partyratherthanawar,theolderAlphagaveoffanairofsuperioritytomatchhisage.

Nexttohim,hoveringoveramaponafoldingtable,wastargetofallhisaggression,Charles

Marsden.YoungerthanLeifinlooks,withfewergrayhairsinhiswhiskers,Charleslookedasifhehad
notshavedinamonth.

Bradyshifted,andbeforethetwomencouldraiseanalarmheheldhisfingertohislips,shushing

them.

Smartermenmighthavecalledintheirguards,butwhethercuriosityorcontemptkeptthemquiet,they

didnothingbutsmileasBradystrolledaroundthetableandcametositjustontheedge.

“I’llhavetoadmit,thisIdidnotexpect,”Bradybegan.“Wehadoursuspicions,ofcourse,afterthe

wholeLongTeethAlphadebacleearlierthisyear.Charles,youconsistentlybackthewrongside.”Brady
spearedhimwithacockyglare.“ButLeif....really?”

ThetwomeneyedBradysilentlybeforeexchangingglanceswitheachother.
“Ihavesomethingforyou.”Charlesreacheddownbelowandopenedatrunkunderthetable.
“Carefulnow,”Bradywarned.
Charleskeptcoolandpulledapairoftrousersfromthetrunk.“Putsomeclotheson.You’llcatchyour

death.”Hetossedthepantsonthedesk.

“CatchsightofwhatI’mpacking,andnowyou’refeelingabitinadequate?”Bradysnorted,tryingto

holdbackalaugh.“Igetthatalot.”

“Simplytryingtomakeourguestmorecomfortable,”Charlesrespondedflatly.
“Ifyouwerethatconcerned,you’dnothaveattackedmypack,”Bradyretorted.
HateglintedinCharles’seyes.“AmInotallowedtoactagainstsomeonewhomurdersmyson?”
“Droptheact.”Bradymatchedhisglare.“Yourtimelinemakesnosense.Youknewyourplanhad

failedwhenyourspiesreturnedwithnewsofthewrongdeath.Didyoureallythinkleavingadeadbody
onourpropertywouldstartawaranyway?Whyinvolvethegirl?”

Leifsippedhisteaasifhehadnotacareintheworld.
Charles’seyesgaveawaythepainbehindthem,buthisfaceremainedamaskofemotions.“We’d

hopedaninsignificantdeathwouldspursomeaction,yes.”

“Andinstead...”Bradysaid.

“Unfortunatelosses.”SmalltwitchesatthecornerofhismouthrevealedthestraininCharles’feigned

smile.

TheAlphawasputtingonashow,butBradycouldseestraightthroughit.“Doyoureallycaresolittle

foryourfamilyyou’driskyourson?”

“Ihaveothers.”
“Whoarenodoubtfightingmybrotheraswespeak,”Bradyreplied.
“Some.”Charlesshrugged.
“Youaresomepieceofwork.”Bradyscoffed.“Andyou,Leif.Why?”
“Whydoesanyonedoanything?”Leiftookanothersipfromhisdrink.
“You’rethepuppetmaster,then,Itakeit?”Bradychallenged.“PulledstringsinWashingtonwith

Giselle,I’mguessingtoo.”

“WhywouldIadmittoanywrongdoing?Ifyouhaveproof,layitatmyfeet,”Leifresponded,histone

neutralbutthearrogantsmirkonhisfaceallbutconfirmingthetruth.

“Well,you’reherenow.That’salltheproofIneedofyourplotagainstmypeople,”Bradyreplied.
“Whatofit?You’realonewolfhere.Ourguestforthemoment,andhostageasneeded.”
“That,sadly,iswhereyouaremistaken,”Bradysmiled.
Leif’seyebrowquirkedup.“Howso?”
“Hostage?No.”Bradylaughed.“AndIwon’tbeneedingthese.”HetossedthepantsbacktoCharles.
“Withaword,Icouldbringthiswholecampdownonyou,”Charlesthreatened.“You’dbedead.”
“Ah,butnotbeforeIhavethepleasureofrippingyourthroatout.Goahead,callinyourguards.Bring

thiswholecampdownonme.You’llgetawordin,butitwillbeyourlast.Evenyourallyhereisn’tquick
enoughtostopmefromenjoyingthepleasureofsinkingmyteethintoyourflesh.”

Charlesstoodstillforamoment.Seethingwithrage,Bradycouldseethewheelsspinning.Charles

wantedtosoundthealarm–hetrulybelievedhewouldsucceedinthat–buthealsoknewofBradyand
hisreputation.AndBrady’sthreatwasmorerealthananythingelse.Allheworkedforwouldbefor
naughtifhewerekilled.

Leifbrokethesilencebetweenthem.“Itappearswehavea...whatisthatcalled?AMexican

standoff.”Hefinishedwithachuckle.

“Deathistheonlywayout,”Bradysnarled.
“Ah,butyou’reforgettingIamheretoo.GoaheadandkillCharles.Iwillberighttheretofinishyou

off,andwhatdoesthatgetyou?”

“YouthinkI’mafraidofyou?”Bradyasked.
“No,Idon’t.WhichmakesyouanidiotifyouaresocockyyouthinkyoucantaketwoAlphasand

survive.I’mcountingonit,actually.”

Bradyglancedquicklyovertotheentranceflapsofthetent.Whereheshouldhaveseenshadowsof

guardsstandingwatch,therewasnothing.

OutofthecornerofhiseyehesawhisreactionreflectedinLeif’ssuddenturnsideways.
TheAlphaeversoquicklyglancedattheentrancetohistentandbacktoBrady,whokeptaninnocent

smileplasteredacrosshisface.“Ofcourse,”Leifmumbled.

“Figuringitout,arewe?”Bradyrepliedcalmly.
Leifnoddedandsatbackdown.“IbelieveIhave.”
Charleslookedutterlyconfused,butBradywaitedforhimtoasktheobviousbeforerelaxinghisown

stance.

“Negotiations,then?”Leifoffered,takingchargeofthesilence.
“Surrenderismorelikeit.Yourforcesandhis.Immediately,”Bradyresponded.
“Whywouldwedothat?”Charlesasked.

“Becausehehasussurrounded.Ourcamphasbeencompromised.Quitequietly,ifImightadd.Kudos

there,youngWhelan,”Leifsaid.

“Howcanyoubesure?”Charlesdemanded.“Hecouldbebluffing.”
“Caretotestmybluff?”Bradyeyedhim.
ForanAlpha,Charleswasweak.WhenBradymethiseyes,itwasCharleswhobrokecontactfirst.
MenlikeBradywerethekindwhogambled.Whilehehopedthegirlshaddonetheirjob,hecouldn’t

becertain,andhiscavalierattempttoforcetheirhandscouldeasilybackfire.

BradywaitedforCharlestomakeuphismind,silentlyprayinghewouldnotraisethealarm,and

hopingthatifhedid,thegirlswouldhavehadalltheguardssubduedbynow.

“It’sover,Charles,”Leifsaidfromhisseat.“Weshouldnegotiatewhiletheoptionisstillonthe

table.”

“No!”Charlesshouted.“Guards!!”

TWENTY-SIX

“Now,seethisiswhatconfusesme,”Bradylaughed.“Howdidamanlikeyou,clearlylackingtactical
expertise,becomeRegionalAlpha?”

CharlessnarledatBradybutdidnotanswerhistauntingquestion.
“Thinkforasecond.HowdidImakeitouthere?HowdidImakeitintoyourtent?Surelynotalone.

Thoseguardsyou’reyellingfor...dead,obviously.”

Leifclearedhisthroat,drawingattentiontohimself.HewasstaringaheadatRachelandFallon

standingintheopeningflapofthetent.ThesnowywhiteofRachel’scoathadturnednearlyasredas
Fallon’s.

“Ofcourseshe’shere.”ThecornerofCharles’slipquirkedup,seeingRachelattheentrancetohis

tent.“Weknewyou’dlikeher.”

“I’msureyoudid.”Bradykepthiseyesontheenemy.
“Couldn’thaveaskedforbetterbait,really.Orabetterspy.Charmedthepantsrightoffofyouthefirst

day,I’llbet.”

HeknewwhatCharleswasdoing,butthewords,nomatterhowmuchhewantedtoignorethem,had

aneffect.Rachelhadcometothematthestartofallthis.Itwouldhavebeenalltooeasyforhertopass
oninformationandfacilitatetheirtimelyattack.

Butthatwasjustit–itwouldhavebeentooeasy.Andthatmadeitlessplausiblethemoreherolled

thethoughtaroundinhismind.Shehadbeenusedasacatalyst.Shewassupposedtodie.Andinstead,
Charles’sonhadtakenthefall.Whatkindofafatherwillinglysacrificestheirchild?Hecouldn’thave
expectedhertolive.

“Ishouldthankyou,”Bradyfinallyreplied.“She’squitetheadditiontoourpack.”
Charles’slipquivered,butheheldhiscockygrin.
“Youaremostwelcomethen.Wehadherbrokeninforyou.”
RachelgrowledbehindBrady.
BradymightnothavefallenfortheAlpha’stactic,butCharles’swordswerehavinganeffectonher.

Bradywavedahandbehindhisbacktoshushher.

“Mysympathytoalltheladiesinyourpack.Ifyouknewbetterhowtotreatthem,theymightnotwant

toleavesobadly,”Bradyresponded,withanoteofaggressioninhisvoicehehopedCharleswould
understand.

“Oh,don’tfeelbad.Alphachasersarethebestlittlewhores.They’lldoanythingtobecloseto

power.Thatonethere”–hejabbedafingeratRachel–“shebeggedforit.”

“That’senough,”Bradybarked.
“Can’ttakeit?Yourperfectnewgirlfriendhasadirtypast.Andit’sstillcatchinguptoher.Sheran

offonyouafewdaysago,didn’tshe?Where’dshego?”

He’donlylostherforasecondinthewoods,afewdaysback.HowdidCharlesknowaboutthat?

Brady’seyesleftCharles’sfaceforafractionofasecondasheturnedtolookatRachel.Imperceptibleto
most,butCharlescaughtit,andtookthatmomenttospeakagain.

“Notsocertainabouthernow,areyou?See,that’sthebestpart.IcantellyouanythingIwant,and

youwillhavetoquestionit.Didsherunoffonherown?OramIjustmakingsomethingup?Doesn’t
matter–youcan’tquitetrustherbecauseyoudon’tknowherlikeIdo.”

Bradysenthismindbacktothedate,replayingthescene.Theyhadbeenonpatrol,runningthroughthe

snow.He’dcaughtnoscentofblood;noscentofotherwolf.Shehaddisappearedforafewminutesat
best,thoughitwasrightbeforetheyfoundthedeadwolf.Ifshe’dkilledhim,he’dhavefoundtraceson
her.

Charleslaughed.“Thisistooeasy.I’llbetyou’requestioningeveryminuteyou’vespentwithher,

aren’tyou?”

Damn.Hewasright.Buthowright?
“Don’tlistentohim.”Rachel’svoicecamefrombehindhim.
Bradydidn’tturn,butheallowedhiseyestoflitbackandforthbetweenCharlesandRachel,whohad

shiftedbacktoherhumanformtospeak.

Fallontookpoint,guardingLeifwherehesat.
“I’vetoldyouthetruth.Myfathersentmetomyassholeofahusband.IwassoldintotheAlpha’s

packonapromiseIwouldbearpureshifterchildren.Andhe”–shejabbedafingeratCharles–“the
GreatRegionalAlpha,heldmylifeinhistightlittlefistfromthenon.IwasgiventohissonCraigasa
fuckingplaything,histodowithashepleased.Theirfamilycontrolledeveryaspectofmylife.WhoI
couldsee.WhatIcouldwear.AndwhenIdidn’tfallpregnantimmediately,Charlesforcedmetobewith
othermembersofhisfamily.AllinthenameofcontinuingtheAlphaline.”Rachelpantedangrily,with
visibleefforttocontrolheremotions.“Iplayedtheirgame.I’mnotproudofit,butIownit.IdidwhatI
hadtodotosurvivelongenoughtoescape.MybodywasallIhad,anditboughtmetimetopoolenough
resourcestomakemywayhere...tofreedom.Tellme,anyofyou,thatyou’dhavedonethings
differently.”RachelwalkedtowardBrady.

“Brazenasever,youlyinglittlebitch.Putsomeclotheson,we’reallsickofseeingyounaked.”

CharlestossedthepantstoRachel.

ThemovementalmostsentBradyintoattack,butashewatchedtheclothesflyingthroughtheair,he

notedCharlesremainedstill.

Leifshiftedinhisseatasifreadytofightorflee,butFallonstillstoodattheedgeofthetent,blocking

theexit,snarlinglikearabidbeastreadytoattack.

“Isthisyourplan?”Bradyasked.“Shiftingblameinavainattempttoturnusoneachother,ratherthan

faceyourownfate?”

“Idon’tcarewhatyoudowithher.I’vegottenwhatIwantfromher.Didshetellyouthatpart?”
Rachelblewpasthiminablur.Shethrewapunch,connectingwithhisjawhardenoughtoturn

Charles’sheadsideways,butthatwastheonlyhitshelanded.

Herwolfwasanexcellentfighter,butinhumanform,theheightandleverageofCharlesputherata

disadvantage.Hesnatchedherhandmid-punchandusedhermomentumtospinheraround,pullingher
armupbehindherbackashecagedherinhisfreearm.

“Shedoesn’twantyoutoknowaboutus.Aboutthenightswespenttogether.”CharleslookedBrady

deadintheeyeashewhisperedthewordsnexttoRachel’sear.

Hishandslippedaroundherbellyandroughlygraspedholdofherbreast,squeezingithardenoughto

makehergroaninpain.

RagewelledupinsideofBrady.Howdarethatbeastputhishandsonherlikethat?He’dripthemoff

beforethenightwasover,butfindinganinwithouthurtingRachelintheprocesspreventedhimfrom
flyinginnowablindrage.

“Beforeyoudecidetotryanythingstupid,pleaseknowIcanripouthercarotidarteryinmoments

withmyteeth.Youcantrytokillme,butshe’llbleedoutinlessthanaminute.Thatis,ifyoucare,of
course.Butsomethinginyoureyestellsmeshe’swoundherwayaroundmorethanjustyourprick.I
suspectshe’sriddenherwayupanddownyourhearttoo.”Heloweredhislipstoherearagain.“Good
girl.”

Bradygnashedhisteethinanger.
Charlesmethiseyes,daringhimtomakeamove.
Heldinhisarmslikethat,though,Rachellookedmoreangrythanhelpless.AndBradycouldalmost

seethewheelsturninginherhead.

Herfearlessnesshadbeenoneofthethingsthatattractedhimsomuch.Shehadbeentheaggressorin

bedwithhim.Shehaddemandedtogowithhimtofight.Shehadevenofferedtobeputondisplayto
ferretoutherattackers.BradylookedagainatRachel,seeingjusthowmuchshewasnotahelplesslittle
girl,evenbeingheldinCharles’arms.Shewasdoingthisonpurpose.Butwhy?Forwhatreason?

Information.Ofcourse.Itwastheonlythingtheywerelacking.
Bradyrelaxedhisstanceandheldhishandsupcalmly.“You’renotgoingtokillher.”
“Caretotestthattheory?”CharlespulledhisarmuptighterbehindRachel,andsheyelpedinpain.
“Iam,”Bradyresponded.
“YouthinkbecauseIhavenotalready,thatIwouldnotkillher?”
“Whytauntmewithher?”
“WouldyouratherIkillher?”Charlessqueezedhisotherhand,digginghisnailsintoherbreast.”
Racheldidnotmakeasoundthistime,butBradyheardthegrindofherteethasshegroundthem

together.

Helockedeyeswithherforthesmallestofmomentsandfoundnoweakness,nofear.Herswasthe

lookofasoldierbeingsentintobattle–resolvetofaceuncertaintywhenthegeneralcommandsforbattle
tobegin.He’dseenitonsomanyofhisownsecuritypatrolsasheorderedthemintothewildtoprotect
thepack.He’dwornthatmaskhimselfandunderstoodnowwhatRachelwasdoing.

Heneedonlygivehertheorder,andshe’dact.
“You’reamanwhodealswithwords.AnAlpha.Iamamanwhodealsinaction.Asecondson.ButI

havelearnedovertheyearshowtospeakyourlanguage.So,letmeputthingsintoperspectivetoyou.You
cankillher,andenjoythatmomentofpleasure,butonceyou’rethrough,itwillbeyouandIwhoface
eachother.AndIknowhowtokeepamanaliveforaverylongtimewhileexactmyrevenge.”

“AmIsupposedtofearyourthreat?Yousaidityourself–youarenotanAlpha,”Charlessneered.
“No.IamtheonewhokeepsanAlphainpower.”
“Pityyourbrotherisnotheretohearthisblasphemy.”
“Oh,heknowswelltherollIplayinourpack.AndlikeatrueAlpha,heappreciatesmyservice.

Whereareyourseconds?”Bradyasked.

ThecockysmilefadedfromCharles’slipsforamoment.“You’restalling.Manofactionthatyou

are.”

“Andyourwordshavenotyetboughtyouleniency.”
“ThenIguessitwillbeuptometoact.”CharleshadbarelygottenthewordoutwhenBradynodded

toRachel.

Sheslammedherheadbackashardasshecould,connectingdirectlywithCharles’snose.
Whetherfromshockorpain,oracombinationofboth,CharlesreleasedRachelasheyowled.Blood

pouredfromthisnose,splatteringalloverhimselfandRachelashepawedathertoregainhishold.She
twistedinhisarmsandsentherkneeupwardsintohisgroin.

Bradywincedashewatchedherbelow-the-beltmethodofattack.
Charlesdoubledoverinpain,bleedingfromhismouthandnosebytheendofit.
Rachelstoodoverhim,herhandcockedforanotherstrikewhenBradycalledforhertostop.
Sheturnedtohimstillraging,lookingdeadlierthanhe’deverseenawomanlookbefore,andthough

heshouldn’thavebeenthinkingit,he’dneverbeensoturnedon.

Naked,showingoffallherassets;thescentofthekillonher;thatferallookinhereyes.Gods,she

washot.Butthiswasnotthetime.Nottheplace.

“Doyoutrustme?”Rachelaskedhimcalmly.
“Ido,”Bradyreplied,withnohesitation.
“Ihadtoletyousee.”ShehungherheadasshetookastepinBrady’sdirection.
Hepulledherclosertohim.“Yourpastmakesyounolessofapersoninmyeyes.Theopposite,

really.Icanonlyimaginethethingsyouhadtodoinordertokeepyourselfsafe.”

“Whathesaidwastrue.Ihavebeenwithsomany.Ihavehadtodo...”
Bradyputafingertoherlips.“Idon’tcare.AndIdon’twanttotalkaboutit.”
“Butyouneedtoknowwhy.Andwhereitallends.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“IdidwhateverIhadtodo.Myfamilysoldmeintothislifesotheycouldbettertheirs.Ihadnowhere

elsetogo.Icouldneverreturnhome.”

“Iunderstand.”
“Doyou?”
“AsmuchasIcan.”
“Mypastisamatterofpublicrecord.IdidwhatIhadtodotosurvive.But,withyou,it’sbeen

genuine.Iwantedyou.Notbecauseyou’reinapositionofpower.NotbecauseIthoughtyouwould
protectmeifIsleptwithyou.Brady,you’rethefirstmanwholookedatmenotasapieceofass,butasa
person.Andthenyeah,weslepttogether,andIfeltsowrong.LikeIhadsentthewrongmessage.Services
paidfor,andallthat.Butitwasn’t.Ijust...connectedwithyou.AndIhopedyoufeltthesameaboutme.”

Herhonestyhumbledhim.Hepulledhertherestofthedistanceseparatingthemandplantedakissso

truthfulonherlipstherewouldbenoquestionoftheirconnection.Likepuzzlepieces,theyfittogether
perfectly.Eachofthemflawedintheirownway,buttogethertheirstrengthscoveredtheinadequacies.

“You’reafooltobelieveher,”Charlesmumbled.“Sheneedsanewhomeandanewprotector.”
“She’sgotone,”Bradyansweredback,possessively.“Andyouwillstandtrialforstartingawar

betweenterritories.”

“Wecannegotiateafairsettlementfortheendofhostilities,”Charlessaid.
“Thetimefornegotiationshaspassed,”Bradydeclared.“Youwillcallforanendtothehostilities,

andbebroughtupontrialwiththecouncilofRegionalAlphastodetermineyourpunishments.”

“No!”Charlesleaptoverthedesk,tacklingBradytotheground.
SurprisedbyCharles’sattack,Bradytookafewgoodswingstothefacebeforehemanagedtotwist

hisbodyenoughtothrowtheAlphaoffbalanceandgetoutfromunderhim.

Charlesfoughtlikeamanwithnothingtolose,andintruthhe’dalreadylostitall.Notevenstopping

toshiftintowolfform,herailedonBrady,swinginghisfistswithexhaustingfury.

Bradyduckedanddodged,allowingthecrazedAlphatotirehimselfout,managingtostayjustoutof

reach.Despitebeinghisenemy,BradyadmiredtheAlpha’sdeterminationtogodownfighting,likeatrue
wolf.Councilsandprisonsandpunishmentswerethesocietaltrappingsofhumans.Theywerewolves,
andtoliveanddiebytoothandclawwastheonlyhonorablewaytogo.

CharlessnarledashelungedatBrady,wrappedhisarmsaroundhistorso,andtriedtopullhimoff

balance.ButBrady’sfeetwerefirmlyplantedintheground.Theotherwolfcouldnotbudgehimforall
hiseffortintrying.FightingwithfurywasneverawinningtacticandlefttheAlphaopentoahardelbow
intheneck.HewentdownwhimperingbutstilltriedtotakeaswipeatBrady’slegs.

“Thisisridiculous,”Bradyshouted.“You’renomatchforme.”
“Thenkillme.Iwillnotsubmit.”Charlesspatbackathim.
“You’reanAlpha.Youmustfacetrialforyourcrimes.”Bradywantednothingmorethantokillhim

andbedonewithit,buttokillsomeonewithsuchahighrankingcreatedastickysituation.

“Iwillnotbebroughtinlikesomecriminal.”CharlesswipedagainatBrady’sfeet.
BradyhoppedbackandwaitedfortheAlphatostand.“Getupandstopembarrassingyourself.”

“Death,”Charlesdemanded.Herosetohisfeet,holdinguphishandsandlettinghisfingersturnto

claws.

Bradysighed.Therewasnoturningback.Charleswaspreparedtodie,anditwouldbetheonlyway

thisfightwouldend.“So.Be.It.”

CharlessteppedforwardandrakedhisclawedhandsatBrady.
Bradytookholdofhisarm,twistedthewolfaroundinfrontofhim,andgrippedholdofhishead.

Withonesharptwistandcrack,hesnappedCharles’sneckandletthelifelessbodyfalltotheground.

Leifhadsatwatchingtheentireshow,butwhenCharles’sbodydropped,herosetohisfeet.“Before

youdecideonanencore,Iwillsurrender.Unlikemyidiotfriendhere,IknowwhenI’moutnumbered,and
willgoquietly.”

“Yourdeathwillcometoo,youknow,”BradywarnedtheoldAlpha.
“Willit?Perhapssomeday.Butthisisnotthatday.”Leifheldhishandsoutasifwaitingforshackles.

TWENTY-SEVEN

ThecompoundwasinashamblesbythetimeBradyhadmadeitbackcarryingCharles’bodyinhisarms,
followedbyLeifandthegirlsintow.

SeeingtheirAlphasdefeated,thewolvesstoppedfightingandappearedtobeawaitingorders.
BradylocatedAiden.Battlewornbutmorethanalive,heepitomizedwhatatrueAlphashouldlook

like.Standingasideapileofhisfallenenemies,Aiden’smuzzlewascoveredinblood.Hesnarledasif
daringsomeoneelsetochallengehim,andnearlysnappedatBradywhenhedumpedthebodyofCharles
athispaws.

“Ihaveagiftforyou,”Bradykneltrespectfullyinfrontofhisbrother.
Aidenshifted,standingtallandproudforalltosee.“Youkilledhim?”
Bradynoddedratherthanspeakthetruth.
“Wasitwitnessed?”Aidenaskedagain.
AgainBradynodded.Heknewwhyhisbrotherwasleadingtheconversationinthatdirection.Tokill

anAlphawasonewaytotakeleadership,somethingBradyhadneverwanted,thoughhehadalwaysbeen
inlineforit.

Aiden’seyestraveledbehindBradytoLeifstandingcalmlybetweenthetwoshe-wolves.“Iwould

haveneverexpectedyou.”

BradyturnedtolookatLeif.Evennow,inthefaceofanotherRegionalAlpha,knowinghisfatewould

bedeath,Leifstilllookedasifhehadnotacareintheworld.

“Ilookforopportunitieswheretheypresentthemselves.Notalltransactionsareprofitable,butone

musttry,”Leifsaidarrogantly.

“Whatprofitwastheretobehadinattackingmyterritory?”Aidenaskedtheobvious.
“Moreland,moreloyalty.”Leifshrugged.
“Asifyoudidnothaveenoughalready?”Aidenlookedshocked.
“Whenonestopsstrivingtobetterthemselves,onestopsliving.”
“Theseareourpeople,youass,notpawnsinagame.Yourwarhaskilledhusbands,wives,brothers,

sisters,”Bradysnarled.

“Survivalofthefittest,youngAlpha.Thatisourway,”Leifinsisted.
“Don’tpresumetolecturemeaboutourwaywhenyou’vesoclearlylostyours,”Bradyreplied.
“You,Mr.Chevalier,willbebroughtupbeforethecouncil,”Aidensaid.“Untilsuchtime,youwill

remainourguestinlockup.”

Bradyhatedthethoughtofhavingtodealwithhispompousassduringthewaitforthecouncilto

assemble.

Leifshrugged.“Doasyoumust.”
“Whynotjustexecutehimnow?”Bradyasked.
“Becausewe’realreadyoneRegionalAlphadownthankstoyou,”Aidenchidedhisbrother.“Andas

Leifhereiswitnesstoyourfight,hewillhavetogivetestimonyduringthetransitionofpower.”

“ExactlywhyIneverwantedtobeAlpha.Toomuchdamnpaperwork.”Bradysighed.“Dowestill

haveacelltoputhimin?”

Aidennodded.“Theydidn’tmakeitintothelowerbasementlevel.Puthimtherefornow.”
“Withpleasure.”BradyseizedLeifbythearmandescortedhimtothebasement.

“You’llbeinmyshoesoneday,”Leiftaunted,astheyenteredtheruinofthecompoundlobbyand

headedtowardthebasementlevel.

“Howso?”Bradyaskedcuriously.
“YourfatherandIwereascloseasbrothersonce.Allies.”
“Andyetyouattackedourpack.”
“Yourfatherisgone.Anotherwarriorwhoshouldhavelivedcenturiesmorecutdown.Andwhatis

leftinhiswake?Childrenplayingatbeingleaders.You’reallweak.Allowinghumanitytooverpower
yournatureasawolf.TheLongTeethterritoryisthesame.Kidsrunningtheshow.Norealleadership.
NoTradition.Oldvaluesbeingwipedawayandreplacedwithanewsofterregime.”

“Andyoufeelyou’rethemodelofleadership?”Bradyactuallylaughedthattime.
Afterdescendingtwoflightsofstairsintothelowestpartofthebuilding,theyenteredanareathat

hadn’tbeenusedbytheirpackinyears,dampwithmoldandfilledwiththesoundsofscurryingrats.
BradyfeltitwasstilltoogoodforanassholelikeLeiftohaveashistemporaryresidence.

“Mypeoplefolloworderstotheletter.Theymatewithwhomtheyaretoldtomatewith.Thedonot

stepatoeoutofline.”Leifsmiledbackathim.

Themorethatmantalked,themoreBradywishedhecouldexecutehim.Hemighthaveoncebeena

friendofthefamily,evenagreatleaderinhisprime,buttheoldwolfhadgonemadwithageandpower.

Leifcontinuedtotalk,butBradyhadlongsincelefttheconversation.“TheAlphaisthelaw.”
“TheAlphaistheoneleftstandingafterafight,”Bradysnappedbackwithawarning.
“Killmeifyoumust,then,butitwillbeyouwhohastofillthoseshoes,andIcanseehow

desperatelyyouwanttoavoidtheresponsibility.”

“IcouldalwaysappointsomeoneafterIshutyouupforgood.”Bradyunlockedacellandheldit

open.

LeiflaughedatBrady’semptythreat.“Ah,butyoujustsaidit–theAlphaistheoneleftstanding.My

peoplerespectthat:aleaderwhoisnotafraidtoshedthebloodofhisenemies.”

“Thenwhydidyouallowyourselftobetakenin,ratherthanfight?”
“Becauseknowingwhentofightisjustasimportantasknowinghow.Myfightwillcomelater.Call

thecouncil.Iawaittheirvisit.Untilthen,Iwilltakemybreakfastatseven.Sharp.”Leifwalkedintothe
cellandsmiledasBradyclosedthedooronhim,lockinghiminside.

TWENTY-EIGHT

Withhostilitiesended,thewolvesfromtheopposingpackshadbeenroundedupandwerebeingdetained
bytheOldeTownsecurityteam.

Aidendirectedtherecoveryeffortsashiswolvestendedtowoundedandsetthebonfireforthedead.
Aftercleaningupandfindingnewclothes,Bradymethisbrotherontheruinedstepsuptothe

compound.Thebuilding’sexteriorhadallbutbeenobliterated,yetforallthefightingdoneinside,the
damageseemedonlysuperficial.“Thisisgoingtotakeforevertocleanup.”

“I’llhavecrewsoutatfirstlighttoinspectanddrawuprebuildingproposals.”
“Morepaperwork.”Bradytossedahandaroundhisbrother’sshoulders.“AnAlpha’sworkisnever

done.”

“Getusedtothat.”
“Why?”
“Youknowwhy,brother.Ihopeyoulikethewarmweatherwhereyou’regoing.”Aidenchuckled.
“WhatifIrefuse?”Bradyaskedwithallseriousness.Helovedbeingasecondson.Helovedlivingin

Bostonandspendingtimeinthenaturepreserve.Imaginingalifeanywhereelseseemedwrong.Thiswas
hishome.

“Leavethattothecouncil,butconsideritseriouslybeforemakingthatdecision.Alliedterritoriesare

agoodthing.”

“Problemsforanotherday.”Bradysighed,notwantingtotackleitanytimesoon.“Speakingof

problems,whatarewegoingtodowithMr.Chevalier?”

“Assoonaswegetthephonesbackup,I’llhavetocallthecouncildown.Itwillbeaweekormore

beforeanassemblycantakeplace.He’llbeputtodeath,I’msure,leavingyetanothergapingholeinthe
territories.Morereasonthanevertohaveyoudownsouthasourally.”

“Sothenmyfateissealed?”Bradysighedagain.
“Nothingissetinstoneyet,butforthegoodofourpeople,Iurgeyoutoconsiderit.”Aidengavehis

brotherasympatheticsmile.

“We’vealwaysbeenpartners,”Bradystartedtosay,butthewordscaughtinisthroat.Twinssince

conception,theywerepartners,wingmen,andaboveall,friends.Hecouldnotimaginebeingsofarfrom
homeandhisbestfriend.

“We’llalwaysbepartners.You’lljusthavemoreauthority.”Aiden’svoicecrackedwithemotion,but

hisfaceremainedamaskofcalm.

“Andmorepaperwork,”Bradyjokedtolightenthemood.
“WhereareMarkandLouis?”Rachelapproachedcautiously.
“Dead,”Aidenrespondedwithagrowl.
“Can’tsayI’msurprised,”Rachelscoffed.
“Youwererighttosuspectthem,”Aidenreplied.“Theychangedallegiancethemomentthefight

turnedsouthhere.”

“Gotwhattheydeservedthen,thebastards.”Rachelsmiled.
“Ihaven’thadthechancetoproperlythankyouyet.”Bradypulledherinclose,wrappinghisarms

aroundher.“Niceworkoutthere,killer.”

“Yes.Thankyouforwhatyoudidoutthere,”Aidensaid.“IheardhowyouprotectedFallon.”

“Speakingof,whereisshe?”Bradyasked.
“Tendingtothewounded.”Aidenpointedacrossthefield,whereFallonwaskneelingalongside

Emma.Bothladieswereworkingfast,wrappingbandagesaroundanotherwolf’sleg.

“Iwouldn’teverwanttogetintoafightwiththatgirl,”Bradylaughed.“She’sdeadly.”
Aidenchuckled.“Don’tIknowit.”
“AndwhatamI?”RachelpulledfromBrady’sarms.
“Mine.”Bradynippedatherplayfully,buthe’dneverspokenatruerwordinhislife.Shewas

somethingspecial.Imperfectlyperfectineveryway.She’dmadehimfeelthingshe’dneverthought
possible.Andwhenherlifehadbeenindanger,he’dhaveriskeditalltosaveher.Whatmoreproofdid
heneedinhismindthathe’dtrulyfoundtheone?

“Really,brother?”Aidenasked.
“Ifshe’llhaveme,yeah.Thiswomansavedmyass,hadmyback,andlet’sfaceit,she’sfreakinghot!

I’dbestupidtolethergo.”

RachelblushedandburiedherfaceinBrady’schest.
“Isthatayes?”Bradyasked.“Stringsdefinitelyattached.”
RachellookedupandnoddedasshemetBrady’seyes.Thatwasalltheanswerheneeded.
“Goodforyou,brother.”Aidensmiledapprovingly.
BradybenttowhisperinRachel’sear.“AndtheminuteIgetyoualone,I’mgoingtoshowyoujust

howseriousIamaboutthestrings.”

Rachelgiggled.“Ican’twait.Butfornow,wehaveworktodo.Yourpeopleneedyou.”Shenodded

atAidenandthenturnedtojoinFallonandEmmawiththewounded.

“That’sonehellofagirl,”Aidensaid.
“Yes.She.Is!”
“She’dhavetobetotieyoudown,”helaughed.
“I’msonotreadyforthis,”Bradysaidinjest.
“Nooneevertrulyis.”AidengaveBradyacongratulatoryslapontheback.“Butwhenthey’reworth

it,itmakesallthedifference.”

OtherBooksByKatieSalidas

Besuretostopby

KatieSalidas.com

andsignuptotheParanormalPosseNewsletter.

AllnewsubscriberswillbesentaFREEebook.

AutographedEditionsofallKatieSalidasbooksmaybepurchasedat

www.KatieSalidas.com

TheImmortalisSeries

Becomingavampireiseasy.Livingwiththecondition...that'sthehardpart.JoinAlyssaasshestumbles
throughtheworldofthe"Unnatural."

CarpeNoctem
NewbievampireAlyssaneveraskedforthislife,butnowit'sallshehas.Rescuedfromdeathby

Lysander,thealoofandsexyleaderofthePeregrinusvampireclan,she'sbarelycutherteethbeforeshe
becomesatarget.Kallisto,anancientandvindictivevampirequeen–andLysander'soldmate-wants
nothinglessthanfinaldeathforherformerloverandhisnewtoy.She'snotabovelettingtheActa
Sanctorum,anditsgreatestvampirehunter,Santino,knowexactlywheretheclancanbefound.Withno
timetomournheroldlife,Alyssa'ssurvivaldependsonhernewfamily.Shewillhavetostandalongside
Lysanderandfightagainsttwoenemieswhowillstopatnothingtodestroythem.

Hunters&Prey
Rulenumberone:humansandvampiresdon'tco-exist.Oneisthehunterandoneistheprey.Simple,

right?NotfornewlyturnedvampireAlyssa.AsurpriseconfrontationwithSantinoVitale,theActa
Sanctorum'smostfearsomehunter,sendsherfleeingbacktotheworldsheonceknew,andFallon,the
humanfriendshe'smissedmorethananything.Nowshehassomeexplainingtodo.However,thatwill
havetowait.WiththeActaSanctorumhotontheirheels,stayingaliveismoreimportantthaneducatinga
humanonthefinerpointsofbloodlust.

Pandora'sBox
Afterafewmonthsasavampire,Alyssathoughtshe'dlearnedallsheneededtoknowaboutthe

supernaturalworld.Butherconfidenceisshatteredbythedeliveryofamysteriouspackage-aPandora's
Box.Seeminglyinnocuous,theboxisinrealityanancientprison,generatedbyamagicmorepowerful
thananyoneinherclanhaseverknown.Butwhatmannerofevilcouldneedsuchforcetocontainit?
Whentheboxisopened,thesinistercreaturewithinisreleased,andonlysupernaturalbloodwillsatiate
itsthirst.Theclansoonlearnshowitfeelswhenthehunterbecomesthehunted.

Soulstone
It’sadesperatetimeforrookievampireAlyssa,andhersanityishangingbyaslenderthread.Her

clanisstillreelingfromthemonumentalbattlewithAniketos;abattlethatclaimedthebodyofLysander,
hersireandlover,andtrappedhisspiritinamysteriouscrystal.ASoulstone.Unfortunately,noamountof
magichasbeenabletoreleaseLysander’sspirit,andthestoneisstartingtofade.Weeksofefforthave
provedfutile.Herclan,thePeregrinus,haveallbutgivenuphope.OnlyAlyssastillbelievesherlover
canbereleased.Indespair,Alyssabegsthehelpofthelocalwitchcoven,andunwittinglyexposesthe
supernaturalsofBostontounwantedattentionfromtheActaSanctorum.TheSaintsconvergeonthecity
andbegintheircleansingcrusadetoridtheworldofallthings“Unnatural.”Inthemiddleofanall-out
war,butnoclosertoasolutiontothedyingstone,Alyssaisleftwithanunenviablechoice:savehermate,
orsaveherclan.

DarkSalvation
Agatheringstormofviolenceisonthehorizon.WhisperedthreatsoftheActaSanctorum’sreturn

havethesupernaturalworldabuzz.Onlyrecentlyawareoftheotherworldhiddenbehindourown,Kitara
Vandershasbarelyscratchedthesurfaceofwhatbeingsupernaturaltrulymeans.Aspecialwomaninher
ownright,shepossessesuniquetelepathicabilities,giftsthathaverecentlycomeunderthescrutinyofthe

ActaSanctorum,afanaticalorganizationwhosemissionistocleansetheworldofanythingsupernatural.
Targeted,andmarkedfordeath,Kitara’sonlyhopelieswiththelethallyseductiveyetemotionally
scarredwarrior,Nicholas.

KnowingfullwelltheatrocitiestheActaSanctorumiscapableof,Nicholasisalltooeagerforthe

battletobegin.Fueledbypainandragefromthelossofhismate,he’sitchingforafight,butonething
standsinhisway,Kitara:abeautifuldark-hairedwomanwithuniquepsychicabilitiesandanunusuallink
totheSaints.Despitehisresolvetoremainfocusedonhismission,apurelyphysicalrelationshipbinds
themtogetherinawayneitherofthemexpected.Andwhenherlifehangsinthebalance,Nicholasfinds
hisownisteeteringontheedgetoo.

LittleWerewolfseries

PrettyLittleWerewolf

AllGiselleeverwantedwasafamily...whocanacceptherforwhatsheis,awerewolf.
Inaworldwheresupernaturalcreaturesarenotoutandproud,thishasbeenaproblemfor16yearold

Giselle.Achildofthesystem,she'sbeenbouncedfromhometohomeforaslongasshecanremember.
Assoonasthemooncallsoutherinnerwolf,it'sbackintothesystemshegoes.

Againsttheodds,anewfamilyisfoundforGiselle.Onethatmayprovetheanswertoallherdreams

andwishes.ButthisfamilycomeswithadeadlysecretthatcouldsendGisellesixfeetunderinsteadof
backintothesystem.

Amidfactionsofwarringwitchesandwerewolves,anddeadlycurseswithnohopeforacure,the

waywillnotbeaneasyone,butifGisellecancalluponherskillsasalonewolf,shemayjustbeableto
unearththetruthkeepingherfromtheonethingshe'severwanted...family.

CuriousLittleWerewolf
ThingswouldbeperfectifsupernaturaldisasterswouldquitcreepingupandruiningGiselle’shappy

newlife.Afterfinallyfindingthefur-everhomeshe’salwayswantedawitchblowsintotownpromising
torevealthebloodypastofGiselle’sbirth,andthecircumstancesthatledthelittlewerewolftoendupin
thefostercaresystemtobeginwith.

Hotonthewitch’strail,anotherpackofwolvesisonthehuntforrevenge,andwillacceptnothing

lessthanherdeathinretributionforthehavocshe’swroughtonthem.

Caughtinthecrossfire,Giselledesiresonlythetruth,andifthewitchiswhosheclaimstobe,the

littlewerewolfmustprotectheratanycost.Ifshe’slying,though,Gisellerisksherownkindseeingheras
atraitor.NeitherhernewpacknorherhottiewitchboyfriendDamiencanofferanyhelp.Giselleisonher
ownagain.Andifshemakesthewrongdecision,she’lllosetheonlylinkshehastoherownpast.

FearlessLittleWerewolf
ThedeathoftheRegionalAlphaexposesGiselletothedeadlygameofwerewolfpoliticswhere

friendsareliabilities,boyfriendsareweaknesses,andfamilyarepawnsstrategicallyplayedagainsther.

Findingherfur-everfamily,afteryearslostinthefostercaresystem,broughtmoredramathanlittle

werewolfGisellehadbargainedfor,especiallywhenit’sdiscoveredshe’sthelonglostdaughterofthe
formerRegionalAlpha,OrionSilverman.

AfterthecurrentAlpha’sdeath,Giselleissuddenlythrustintothebrutalarenatoproveherself.Her

veinsmightrunwiththebloodofAlphas,butallherenemiescanseeisalegacyofhumanweakness,and
they’lldoanythingtopreventthisferalpupfromtakingleadership.

InthegameofAlphas,claimingthetitleisthegreatestprize,onewhichmostwouldkilltoachieve.

ButforGiselletowin,she’llhavetoriskherpack,herfamily...andherlife.

AbouttheAuthor

LasVegasnative,KatieSalidasisaJillofalltrades.Mothertothree,Wifetoone,andslavetothecraft
ofwriting,shetriestodoitall,oftencausingsleepdeprivationandmanynightspassedoutatthe
computer.AuthoroftheImmortalisseries,ChroniclesoftheUprising,andvariousotherparanormal
works;writingisherpassion,andshehopesthatherpassionwillbringyouhoursofentertainment.

FindKatieSalidasonlineat:

KatieSalidas@gmail.com

Besuretostopby

KatieSalidas.com

andsignuptotheParanormalPosseNewsletter.

AllnewsubscriberswillbesentaFREEebook.
AutographedEditionsofallKatieSalidasbooksmaybepurchasedat

www.KatieSalidas.com
http://www.katiesalidas.com/

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Salidas-Author/214780936916

Twitter

http://twitter.com/QuixoticKatie

Document Outline

Title Page
Mated (Olde Town Pack, #2)
The Olde Town Pack
Acknowledgements
MATED
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN
SEVENTEEN
EIGHTEEN
NINETEEN
TWENTY
TWENTY-ONE
TWENTY-TWO
TWENTY-THREE
TWENTY-FOUR
TWENTY-FIVE
TWENTY-SIX
TWENTY-SEVEN
TWENTY-EIGHT
Other Books By Katie Salidas
The Immortalis Series
Little Werewolf series
About the Author
Immortalis Series

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Mated Olde Town Pack Book 2 Katie Salidas

Document Outline