AriaThe snow mobile ride back to the pack house the next morning felt long and quiet, but maybe that was just because I couldn’t stop glancing sideways at Darren’s profile over his shoulder. He hardly looked at me, but I could feel the way his fingers occasionally brushed across where my hands were
“They’re not games for kids,” Darren said with a completely straight face.Lucas thought about that for a second, then nodded solemnly. “Okay… But next time, I wanna come and play games for kids!”Darren set him down, patting his head. “Deal. Now go get ready for breakfast.”Lucas scampered off, and
AriaThe cold air nipped at my cheeks as I stepped outside, pulling my coat tighter around me. Breakfast had been… well, uncomfortable. Between Wendy’s knowing glances, Darren’s calm and collected demeanor, and Lucas’s innocent chatter, not to mention Tracy’s angry glares followed by suddenly stormi
I wondered, for a moment, who was walking Anna’s dog while I was gone. I should call Bella and ask her to cover for me, I thought with a small wince.“Just put it on the table,” Mrs. Sterling said, shuffling toward the kitchen.I did as she asked, placing the bag carefully on the worn oak table. As
Aria & DarrenAriaI paused just at the forest’s edge, straining my ears to listen. The forest was silent now, save for the sound of the wind rustling through the pine trees and the birds flitting across the path.It didn’t feel right to just walk away when someone was calling for help, but I knew b
Emerging from the trees were three wolves, large and dark, their eyes glinting under the pale morning light.…DarrenLucas’s giggles filled the air as I lifted him onto my shoulders, his mittened hands gripping the top of my head for balance.“Higher, Daddy!” he squealed, leaning forward so far I h
AriaAll my life, I always thought that if I found myself in a dangerous situation, my fight or flight instincts would kick in and I would somehow, one way or another, save myself. But the truth was, I was frozen in my place as the three wolves closed in on me.Like a mouse in a trap. Only instead o
But I didn’t make it far before the wolves closed in again, blocking my path. Every which way I turned, I was met with dripping fangs and gleaming eyes, and no matter how I tried to escape, I just couldn’t.The wolves won in the end. I found myself pushed back once again, and there was no way to get
“Come on,” Darren said, taking my hand. “Let’s join them.”“But you know how I’m a terrible dancer,” I protested halfheartedly.He grinned, already pulling me toward the dancers. “Trust me, I know. But I’ll lead.”And he did, his hand warm at the small of my back as we moved among the others. For a
AriaWe led the wary and tired refugees into the village, showing them around the temporary shelters, village, and pack house. Humans and werewolves alike eyed each other suspiciously, but that was to be expected. This was a big change for everyone.“There might be more coming,” Bella murmured as we
When Darren stood to address the crowd, a hush fell over the room. He explained the situation in the city, the violence that had erupted, and finally, our proposal to offer sanctuary to those affected—human and werewolf alike.The reaction was immediate. Some voices rose in support, but many more sh
AriaThe footage playing on Darren’s laptop made my stomach churn. Lunar Labs had been reduced to smoldering ruins. The lab equipment was smashed, documents scattered and burned, walls blackened by fire.But worst of all were the messages spray-painted across what remained of the walls: “WOLF KILLER
“I was gathering footage for the documentary,” she began. “I wanted some shots of the forest at sunset. My crew had already headed back to the pack, but I stayed behind.” She swallowed hard. “And then I saw a man. A human man.”Darren and I exchanged wary glances. Alfira went on, “He was just... sta
AriaBy the time we reached the pack house, Alfira fading in and out of consciousness in Darren’s arms, the local doctor was already waiting for us at the front door. Darren whisked Alfira inside to be examined, and I followed, Lucas trailing behind me.The infirmary was a small room on the first fl
AriaThe moment I realized Lucas was gone, my heart stopped in my chest. One second, he was laughing with the other kids near the edge of the village square, playing make-believe knights with sticks as swords.And then the next moment, he was nowhere to be seen. My stomach dropped, a cold wave of dr
I found Darren in his study a little while later, his face pale and drawn as he stared at a stack of papers on his desk. He looked up when I entered, and his eyes looked glazed over.“How did it go with the lawyers?” I asked, although I already had a feeling I knew the answer.He sighed and ran a ha
AriaThe morning after the search party, Darren hardly allowed himself time to stir before he was heading straight into his study. He had an appointment for a video call with his lawyers regarding the deportation.I watched him go, feeling even more sorry for him than I did yesterday. A good night’s