I have been on this thought spiral of what-ifs before and know there is no point to it except to drive you insane. We can’t go back in time and change things so there is no point dwelling on what we could have done differently. The only thing we can do is learn from the past to avoid making the same
EmoryI have met the Alphas of other packs over the years. Some of them have visited Moon Grove and my father took the family with him to visit the other packs often. The visits grew less frequent over time as my father collected more enemies than allies. I know that our pack used to be on good term
“You have old Nigel here to thank for your existence,” Mary Claire concludes. “And I’m sure he will never let you forget it.”Nigel winks at me. “You’re welcome.”I share amused looks with Coit who is stuck listening to Alpha Gerald recount that time he and his brothers took down a grizzly bear when
“We all have great respect for your grandfather, and that’s why most of us have shown up today, despite our history with your father,” Alpha Nigel explains. “Asking us to go to war for you is a big request.”“And from what I’ve heard, you and the vampire king are more than allies,” Alpha Gerald adds
KaneEmory has left for Moon Grove to persuade the other shifter packs into becoming our allies. I try not to be too hopeful that she’ll succeed, not because I have no faith in her but because the enmity between our species has been around for far longer than Emory has been alive. It will take a lot
“Father trusted you to always give him the best advice,” I point out. “And you did. From what I’ve heard, you’re the reason there was less bloodshed between us and the shifters.”“I never saw the reason to antagonize the wolves. While we may be stronger and faster, the tides can always change. There
“No.” I get up from my seat abruptly, causing dishes and cutlery to rattle on the table. “I do not want to hear your excuses. We did monstrous things. There is no excuse for any of that.”I leave without turning back. My mother calls out for me. I ignore her.She’s not the one I need to talk to.*
EmoryI don’t immediately return to Crimson Peak. I take a few days to iron out the alliances with the other Alphas before they return to their villages. All the excitement from the previous days finally hits me, and I need to rest. My mother calls for a pack healer to come to the mansion for a chec
Emelda raises her perfectly shaped dark brows. “How come?”“The bride never showed up. My parents had to dismiss all the guests. Dad believes this was King Mattias’s plan all along–string us along, force our hand when it came to holding the wedding in Crescent Peak instead of Cole’s own territory in
Michael It’s early morning when I finally leave the castle for home, shifting into my wolf form and splitting the fog as I race across the castle grounds. I made sure my cousin was tucked into bed before making the rounds a final time, talking to my uncle Lex and Aunt Ivy, who were remarkably upset
I cross the threshold into the hallway, murmuring to the servant in passing, “Will you please have a decanter of wine spiced with blood sent up for him, for all of our sakes? I really don’t want to deal with him biting maids again.”The servant swallows hard as he nods and quickly shuts the door beh
MichaelBlood-red walls cloud my vision. I focus on the spiraling, floral velvet details of the wallpaper instead of the tall, dark-haired man pacing vigorously across the room, leaving tracks in the carpet. Roses. Mom has always loved roses, and this room is a testament to her love of daylight, su
EmoryThe next few months are some of the busiest in my life. With King Myenas’s death, Kane had to negotiate a treaty with the heir to Carmine Falls. King Myenas’s son, Aiden, is a lot more agreeable than his predecessor. He and Kane may never be friends, but they won’t be enemies.The new system f
LexI don’t know how long I’ve been asleep. I wake up in the hospital wing with a bandage wrapped around my neck. The memory of Opal stabbing me with a ceramic shard has me gingerly touching the bandage. It doesn’t hurt anymore, but there is some stiffness.I blink against the harsh fluorescent ligh
KaneI expect the news of me sabotaging King Myenas’s feeder trafficking operation to reach him quickly. His business partners being present at the meeting means they have to warn him that he’s about to lose a fortune. The moment I arrive back at Castle Graystone, King Myenas is on the phone demandi
WillowI never like it when Rainer comes home injured. The gashes Opal left on him have healed by the time I see him, so there’s no reason to drag him to the clinic to get checked over by Dr. Martin. He tells me that Lex is in worse shape and is being treated by the doctor at Scarlett Thunder. Opal
LexRainer moves quickly, shielding Kane with his body. The sword slices into the dark fabric of his shirt and leaves a large cut on his shoulder. He hisses from the pain and pushes Opal away with his other arm, nearly knocking her off her feet. Blood drips down from the sword, onto the carpet.Opal