Chapter 6

I try, in vain, to contain the way my body trembles in the chilly April breeze. It's still dark outside when I'm forced to leave my parents to attend the Council's meeting. The fading moon extends across the deepest blue sky, shifting to give place to the following rays.

"Do you have your phone?" My mother's soft voice reaches me.

"Rachel, you just gave it to her," my father replies lovingly.

My father is clad in black from head to toe, the tone almost obscures his tanned skin. His gaze is on my form, giving me his undivided attention. The reduced light successfully covers the bags under his eyes from sleepless nights. He has kept guard outside my bedroom door from the very first night.

Even though there's always a couple of pack members protecting the area, the fear of losing me again surpasses all reason. If this is what he needs, then I'll let him. After the blow that was seeing my scars, they deserve a little relief.

I smile at them, trying to chase away the doubt. I loathe the