“He’s beautiful, isn’t he?” I make sure to hold eye contact with Sayda as I hold her mate’s pup in my arms. The corners of my mouth pull upwards slightly.

“Keegan, it’s time. Kalla needs you.” The female looks between us, and Keegan nods his head. Face grim and tight. He does not move at first. “She is calling out for you.” The female’s voice is urgent with concern.  “Keegan, your mate needs you. Now.” I am now regarded with her eyes. She draws her vision over Keegan again, then me. Her brows pull together.  “Your mate said if you need your brother for support, you can ask him to come.” 

"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.

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

When Tommie touches me, it's like a master knowing how to touch someone to make them feel important and cherished. He's beyond anything...

"What's your name?" he asks. His voice is above the calm before the shifting of a storm that’s coming. I know it’s coming but it’s the wait.