ALDRIC

I should push her away completely—distance her from me for good.

But the very thought makes every fiber of my being roar in protest.

Valeria clearly carries secrets and a painful past.

She deserves a good werewolf. Someone who can love her unconditionally.

Not a Lycan.

Not even Quinn, who seems to have taken some interest in her.

I won't allow it.

He’s not worthy of my little she-wolf.

No one is.

All Lycans carry violence and darkness within them—the curse of destroying what we love most.

And Valeria will be no exception.

I’ll end up breaking her into pieces with my own hands.

*****

VALERIA

We headed toward the Alpha's house, walking through half-empty streets.

This pack felt gloomy and damp.

No one spoke much, and the few who dared glance our way did so with suspicion and fear.

I walked beside the King.

I should be trailing behind him like a servant, but he had ordered me to stay at his side, as if I were his equal.

Once, that might have stirred something in me.

Now, it made n