I held Brinley to my chest and walked toward the cave where we would stay the night. She was wrapped up in a fur blanket to protect her from the elements. Had she been in her wolf form, the frigid temperature would not have affected her, but she would be unable to shift until she healed.After several minutes, we reached the waterfall. Brinley's closed eyes fluttered when I shifted her weight into one of my arms so I could use my other to climb up jagged rocks. She tucked her head close to my chest to avoid the condensation coming from the falls.Fifteen feet up, we reached a small ledge. Pushing the thick foliage that covered the entrance out of the way, I slipped through.Brinley lifted her head and looked around. Carved inside the mountain, the cave was about ten feet wide by eight feet deep and just tall enough to accommodate my height. Solid rock on all sides except for an eight-foot expanse where the waterfall rained down, hiding our location."Where are we?" her voice was raspy

Don't Test MeCoalThe sun was barely on the horizon when I approached Calla's home. Anxiety swept over me. I wasn't nervous about breaking up with her, just forcing her silence. She could be strong-willed when she wanted to be. I had to ensure that she didn't say or do anything that would cause Alpha to look at Brinley with even more suspicion or hatred.I had no idea what Brinley or her mother had done to incur my father's wrath. I'd approached him about it once. His only reaction was to fly into a fit of rage and take his irritation out on my chest with his fists. I remembered hearing the distinct break of bones and feeling the familiar burn of cracked ribs.I was no stranger to broken bones. Even from a shockingly young age of four, my father had felt physical punishment was a much more effective learning tool than words.But this event had been worse. He'd been binge drinking for days. I was fifteen at the time. Brinley was only ten, and her mother had just died. There had been n

Order and DisciplineBrinleyI opened my eyes slowly. The sun shone brightly through the glistening drops of the waterfall. I was tucked inside of a warm cave. Too warm actually. A slight sheen of sweat covered my brow. Wolves were hot-blooded creatures by nature, our bodies suited for frigid winter temperatures. Our skin sides didn't fare so well, but I was currently wrapped tightly, like a burrito, inside of a thick fur blanket.I looked around hoping to see Coal, but I was alone. Disappointment flooded through me. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. He'd promised to stay the night, but he made no promises to stick around once daylight hit.Last night had been the worst and the best night of my life. The worst because of the horrible pain I'd endured, but the best because I'd woken up several times during the night to find Coal's strong arms banded around me like steel. Each time, he whispered soothing, calming words to lull me back into sleep.It had been bliss, feeling his bo

.My head snapped in her direction.Her tone softened, "I understand that you're reluctant to have us involved, but like it or not, it is our choice to remain invested in you and your future. We're not going anywhere. So, to keep us as safe as possible, I need you to share the details. I'm sorry you're hurt by having to relive ancient pain, but it must be done."Resignation washed over me. They weren't going to let it go, and I couldn't argue Darcie's logic. A pit grew in my stomach, churning. I inhaled slowly, trying to prepare myself for conversation I really didn't want to have. In and out.In and out.My lip quivered as I began, "I'm a bastard pup."Langdon growled at my description. Darcie silenced him with a look. I continued shakily, "Alpha sentenced both my mother and me to be shunned by the pack. We were allowed to live, but never allowed to interact...to never have friends..." My voice broke. Tongue thick, I swallowed and wiped away a tear that breached my eyelashes.Painfu

StrategyCoalI managed to crash for about an hour before heading it out. It wasn't much sleep, but at this point, every little bit helped.Ryder was already waiting for me in the truck, head reclined back, eyes closed. The snarling bass beat of some metal song pounded through the earbuds connected to his phone.There was no movement to his body. I wasn't sure he was even awake. Rather than startle him with my physical presence, I reached through our mind-link.I'm here.Yeah, I know. Came his reply.I opened the door and tossed my bag of extra clothes and supplies in the backseat next to his.Thankfully, I hadn't run into my father since his vile sentencing of Brinley, and I was just fine with that. I was still filled with rage and needed the car ride to get myself under control."Where are we headed?" I asked.Ryder replied without opening his eyes or lifting his head, "White Fang. Onyx Moon and the Druid Alphas will also be there."I gritted my teeth. Onyx Moon, that meant that wol