“I didn’t understand why she didn’t just take me and run, but, as I got older, I recognised what that hideous bite on her shoulder meant and the fact that only she wore one. He bound her, but he didn’t allow my mother to bond him. She was a slave. I’ve never said that out loud. My father kept my mother as a slave. The bond was the thickest and strongest chain he could hold her with, but she never stopped fighting.”
“How did she die?”
“Oh, the reigning female alpha got jealous. The usual. A fight between two bitches. My mother’s death was quick.”
Wrath reaches out and takes my hand.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I push out in a strangled voice.
“Like how?” he asks, amused.
“Don’t you feel sorry for me. I got out. I got away from them.” Except I didn’t; I just bought myself time.
“I’m not looking at you with pity. Or sympathy.”
Wrath grabs my jaw and turns my face so our noses are almost touching. “This isn’t horror, this is awe, this is pride, this is wonder. You’re a wolfless shifter who grew up in a pack and not only survived but is thriving.”
“Don’t test me,” I growl at him, fear spiking through me at the look in his eyes and find myself falling.
“Casey,” he whispers.
Just my name.
It shakes my walls. It rattles my foundations.
His hand slides over the bruise on my cheek. “Casey,” he whispers again. “I think perhaps that you are the single most incredible person I’ve ever met.”
I shiver as his silver eyes flash, his thumb grazes my bottom lip. He leans in close, pausing, his eyes searching mine, and then he so very gently kisses me.
He lingers and then moves his lips, and I can’t help but to kiss him back.
I’ve been so alone.
For so long.
And no one has ever thought I was incredible.
I cover his hand that’s still cupping my face and pull back. My lips tingle, and I want to lean back in, but Angel moves in the tree line, and I remember why I shouldn’t have anything to do with them. I turn away, staring at the dark forest.
“My father can’t know you’re here. He will send the pack to destroy you.” I clear my throat. I need space to maneuver. Worse, I need distance from this pack.
Remember, it’s me alone, always alone.
“He won’t.”
I glance at him sideways.
“I’m going to make you my favourite meal. You coming in?”
I can see he’s heard my silent but loud shout for space and is mentally taking a step back. I just wish I wasn’t crying inside over it.
“No, I’m going to stay out here a while longer.”
“Okay.” He bumps me with his shoulder and disappears.
It’s cold, and I’m alone. Just me and the stars, how it’s been for a long time now. Except I’m suddenly not.
Hazard stands at my side, appearing as quietly as a ghost. He sits beside me so we’re pressed together thigh to thigh, shoulder to shoulder. Our silence is unbreakable.
