In the library, I manage to narrow down the dates to find Caleb’s coronation. Then, moving backwards, I try to discover the exact moment the news stopped talking about Evan, by searching for the first time that he’s mentioned. I find Prince Evan’s obituary, which sounds very by the business and no
“Perhaps you have forgotten, father, but I am the king of this kingdom now,” Caleb growls. “As such, I am the only one who can command or punish the members of my harem. Harper is not just a member, but my favored.” “She was looking up information about Evan, Caleb,” Hector replies, just as furiou
“Caleb…” I begin, speaking softly. He hums, acknowledging he is listening. I’m nervous but determined. While I don’t wish to leave Caleb, I can’t stay here, pretending like everything is okay while he proceeds with his engagement. “You promised you would grant my request…” “Don’t ask again,”
I want to continue my research into the woman in the picture with Evan, but Hector likely has the library watched now. After what happened last time, I’m not in any kind of mood to see him again, or be tossed around in another confrontation. Without those old newspaper resources, investigating is
Tristan leads me to the door of Caleb’s chambers, where even the guards seem nervous. From within, I hear the sounds of porcelain being shattered, of tables and chairs being thrown, and Caleb’s loud voice, booming from within. “I need answers, doctor! Solutions! Not more of your useless doctor-spe
Never before have I seen Caleb act this animalistic without reason. It’s as if he’s totally lost himself in the frenzy of the wolf. Even half-shifted, he seems out of his mind, with neither man nor wolf fully in charge. Only the paranoia drives him now, like a parasite that’s fully taken over his bo
Caleb leads the way back to the Hall, with Tristan and me following along behind him. There, a few of Caleb’s advisors I recognize are crowded around a man I don’t. The unknown man is in his twenties or so, wearing dark clothing. His hair is a mess, and with those dark bags under his eyes, he look
“One of my scouts has returned with news of a rebellion,” Caleb says. He gestures to the scout. “Give them your report.” The scout steps forward. With every eye in the room on him, he talks about how a new rebel group is organizing and gaining traction. He says that while the packs along the north
Samuel glances from me to Gladys and then finally to Caleb. “You agree to this challenge? You will fight me for Harper?”“And for the kingdom,” Gladys says.“I would, if in exchange you disappear and leave us all alone,” Caleb says.Per the rules of the kingdom, any alpha can challenge the Alpha Kin
“Are you in any such position to offer such a challenge?” Caleb asks.“With Harper as the prize, he will agree,” Gladys says with total confidence.“And what kind of benefit would this give you?” I counter, pushing forward. Tristan lets me past him but Caleb does not, stepping in front of me protect
I can’t see what is happening, but I can hear it. Bethany’s terrified shriek. Her thump against the ground. The slide of a sword leaving a sheath.“Drop that weapon,” Caleb commands.“Everyone here knew I had no intention of leaving these two alive,” Gladys says, ignoring Caleb’s demand. “These are
Caleb hears each and every word Gladys utters, including her plans to kill Harper and drive him insane. Without his meaning to, a growl escapes his throat. Immediately, Harper looks at him with worry. “What is it?”“Nothing,” Caleb lies to her. He will not tell her the truth, not wanting to worry h
We move closer to the stronghold, me staying in Caleb’s shadow. He stays in human form for my benefit, but I can tell from the red sheen in his eyes, that he is on edge. Likely, he could shift in a moment’s notice to protect us.The wolves that hounded us seem to have all retreated. I still don’t un
But he has no question that she is his. Even without her ability to soothe him, he feels a sort of tether to her, like a connection between their hearts. He’d ignored it for a time, believing since youth that the pull of a mate would be stronger.Perhaps if she was a werewolf…No matter. She is his
After a bit more running, Caleb sets me down in a spot that seems relatively safe for the moment. We’ve been moving in a more dangerous way than before. Instead of running away from the danger, we seem to be skirting around it, with the enemy wolf howls nearer rather than at a safe distance.Caleb s
Tristan hadn’t even tried to defend himself. Now, he remains in wolf form, broken and tattered on the ground. But he’s still alive, and that knowledge gives Bethany some relief.Tristan isn’t an alpha wolf, but his werewolf healing factor will help him recover in time. He will survive this.“I told
Not having any other course of action, I brace myself, preparing for the synch of teeth on my neck. The seconds slow, and in this one terrible moment, I’m positive that I’m about to die.My heart lurches, and I wish I could see Caleb just one more time.Then, as if he appeared out of my mind’s eye,