Wolves that fall from the cliff can never un-fall. “I will not fall,” I tell him.  “Fall from what? There’s nothing here to fall from.” “In the caves, there is a cliff, and here, there is you.”

"Paley, I want Sayda to share our bed tonight." Ryeson found the angle with those provoking words, and I watched Paley’s hands curl into fists, his mouth opening to reveal teeth.

It’s getting easier to ignore her because her hurt comes from being my mate. The skin has given up, but the Wild holds hope.

“I will get used to this?” I let the absolute disbelief filter through my words to leave behind a salty face.

“Keegan, you have me now.” Those silver eyes focus on my face while his lips expose a quiver.

Our eyes meet. I hold no welcome or joy in mine... He understands that I know what he has done. 

Only females understand how to weaponize a laugh. I’ve understood for a long time how laughter is used for combat without drawing blood.

The fire is burning down to red-orange coals. It’s warm against my face, but intense heat is against my back—Paley’s behind me. So close...

A heat blooms through my chest, I turn my head... it’s the silver-eyed male that makes me feel sunburnt.