Elizabeth POV “What?” I squeak out. Carter stands and walks around to me still holding the folder. “It looks like whoever was paying is based in the Palace of the Kingdom you were stolen from,” he says trying to instill calm in his words. “Why?” I ask feeling confused with this information. “That is what we need to find out. I think it is time we start to plan to go and meet your family, Elizabeth,” Carter says to me. I look at him shaking my head no. “If they wanted me gone, I will stay gone,” I reply. I have no desire to be where people do not want me. Where people paid for the torture, I endured over the years. “We do not know what is going on. We need to know so we can neutralize any threat against you,” Carter says making complete sense. “Let’s think about it while I find out if we can plan to head back home today,” he says. I look at him with a dazed look in my eyes. He pulls me into a tight hug providing me with the support I need

Alpha Carter POV We are quickly pulling up to the Pack territory. I have brought Elizabeth up to speed as much as I know. She is aware that Kinsley’s memory is still weak. She is also aware that Stan’s ex mate has shown up. And that I have no idea why other than she usually brings trouble with her. I had never shared this with Stan, but I had been relieved when she left. She did not jive with our Pack members. She was snobby, looked down on everyone and caused more issues than not. Kinsley was a breath of fresh air and someone I wanted to keep around for many years to come. And she was good for Stan. Elizabeth takes a deep breath. “What is wrong sweetheart?” I ask taking her hand in mine. “Just worried about Kinsley. I am not sure how I would feel if someone from your past showed up. Particularly if I did not know she had existed,” she says quietly. I had not thought of it from Kinsley’s perspective. She was right. It would potentially be devasta

Elizabeth POV I considered Kinsley’s words. What if it was supposed to be me that night? Did someone want me dead? We knew I was a target but was I worth more dead than alive? Carter looks to Kinsley after looking at me, “Anything else?” he asks. Shaking her head, “No, I am sorry. After that all I remember is the pain,” she says apologetically. “Do we believe Candi?” I ask everyone in the room. We all look to Stan. He shakes his head, “I have no idea. If they expected Kinsley to be out of the picture, they would have to be crazy to assume I would accept Candi back into my life,” he replies as he walks over to the window. Taking a deep breath, Kinsley shocks all of us. “Perhaps I should go on as if I do not have my memory? Then Stan could get closer to Candi and whoever this mystery person is might show their face?” she says trying not to choke on her words. “No!” Stan says turning around to face all of us. “I will not pretend

Alpha Kyle POV I watched with despair as my mate took a step away from me. I could tell from her appearance she had recently been abused and it caused a fire inside of me to rage. My wolf, Cam, was equally enraged. We wanted to take her into our arms and promise her everything would be alright, but I could not move any closer to her. The male with them stepped forward slightly to intercept me. I growled, not appreciating him feeling the need to protect my mate from me. My mate whimpered in response. He was not bothered with my growl. I did not get a sense he was involved with her beyond a brotherly type of relationship, but I still disliked his intrusion to this moment. “Alpha, perhaps we could have a word?” the male suggests. “Why?” I demand of him wanting to hear from my mate who had still refused to look at me. “I think it would be best,” he replies. I look away from my mate and look to the male. He is genuine in his desire to speak pri

Alpha Carter POV We were almost to the castle. We had entered the kingdom about half an hour ago. The tension in the vehicle we were driving in was palpable. Elizabeth was holding onto my hand tightly. Candi was quiet which in itself was a miracle but perhaps a little telling that she too was nervous of what was to come. Stan and Kinsley were in the vehicle behind us. We were cleared at the gate to the palace. It was magnificent as one would expect of a palace. There were people standing on the steps to the palace waiting to greet us. The vehicles all pulled up and the warriors started getting out helping everyone out of the SUVs. I moved around to help Elizabeth out of the vehicle and pull her close to me wrapping an arm around her lower back. One of the warriors is helping Candi out of the vehicle when I hear her mutter, “Keep your hands off me.”. Rolling my eyes, I move forward intent on ignoring her. “Are you okay?” I ask E