Prologue

“Audrey!?” the voice was shrill, laced with distress as the young girl rushed through the woods, her eyes darting around the trees and greenery. She was clutching the small dress in her fingers, the plan to dress her daughter in it a distant thought. Behind her, her husband came running up, looking around with eyebrows knitted.

“Where is she?” he asked, “Audrey! Come on little girl!”

An uneasy feeling coursed through those young parents, him placing a protective hand on his mate’s shoulder.

“Liam, shift please. Find her” Tears were fogging up the young woman’s vision, her hands lightly shaking. The man nodded, giving her a kiss on the cheek before throwing his shirt and pants off of his body. She took it in her hands, taking in the scent of the two people she cared most about in the world mixing together. The cracking and breaking of bones soon filled her ears, she flinching at the awkward manner her mate transformed into a beast before a dark wolf stood in his place. He sniffed the air a few times before sprinting off, speeding through the woods before suddenly halting. There, underneath his small paw was something of a beast’s. The paw print was about twice his size and right next to it, was the edges of a puppy’s. His pups. Heart break coursed through him, his body slowly turning back into a man’s as he fell onto his knees. Behind him, he heard the raspy breath of his mate’s, his heart only shattering further.

His face turned to her and she immediately halted in her steps.

“No” she gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. The other one fisted the clothing pieces as her legs began to shake. There was no need for him to speak because she knew those eyes. Those broken eyes that only portrayed the worst possible outcome. The man stood up, rushing to his mate just as her legs collapsed underneath him.

Her body racked with sobs and all he could do was hold her, feeling his own heart slowly becoming dust.

TO: [e-mail]

FROM: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Worried

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Hi Hailstorm

How are you doing? I know it’s a silly question under the circumstances but Lace and I are worried about you. Chris and I will be back next week but just need to know if you are still okay? Chris says Liam is doing okay, he’s managing the troops very well.

Call me if you can

All my love

Kira

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TO: [e-mail]

FROM: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: We miss you

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Hailstorm!

How’s the new job going? We miss you here in the pack, Mason is driving me bonkers. Wish we could see you. Please say you will come visit soon? I know it’s hard but me and Kira can’t manage without you.

The kids are doing okay. Ten year olds are nuts…

Please tell us when we can catch up. And answer your phone please!?

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TO: [e-mail]

FROM: [e-mail]

SUBJECT: Accepted

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You are due to start your new position next week. Please plan accordingly. I am excited to have you for my safety. Jefferson will show you how it works before you take over as bodyguard.

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