PHOENIX. I’m pissed. How dare somebody ruin Alejandra’s night. This is her night. The night we get to introduce her to the shifter community as our mate. And somebody dares to start chaos, they dare to start a war, on her special night? Forrest is about ready to murder somebody. When we get into the room, I’m confused by what’s in front of me. It’s shifter against shifter—wolf against wolf. There are a few witches, but for the most part shifters are acting on their own. What is going on? “Give us the girl and nobody gets hurt.” It’s one of the witches. Everybody is asking what girl. But I know. Forrest knows. “The hybrid. Where is she?” That’s when I know. Tonight isn’t going to end well. They’re not getting my mate. ALEJANDRA. I’m not sure how long I sit in the basement alone. It can’t be all that long, but it feels like hours. I’m anxious. I can’t hear any noise above me and haven’t since I got down here. The guys haven’t tried to talk to me through our mind link. I k

ALEJANDRA.I feel safe—safer than I ever have in my life.It’s not an usual feeling for me. I’ve always felt safe. I grew up with two older brothers and an older sister who always looked out for me. I’ve never had a true reason to fear, aside from being scared to touch people. But right now, it’s a different kind of safe. I feel like, for the first time, I can truly be myself. No hiding being a fake diagnosis. No half truths.When I wake up on Saturday morning, it takes me a few seconds to remember that I’m not at my home in Jacksonville. I’m at Shifter Academy—with my mates. All four of which are currently in my bed. They were all in here with me when I fell asleep, but I assumed they would leave after I went to sleep. Though, I should’ve known better. After what happened, I doubt I’ll be left alone much anymore.All the guys are still sleeping and I try to climb out of bed quietly, not wanting to disturb them. But as I go to climb over Phoenix, he grabs onto my arm and opens one

ALEJANDRA.I’m on a private jet.A private jet!I guess the pack owns a few of them for emergencies, but since Forrest is alpha he has access to them, which is absolutely incredible and kind of strange at the same time.While I’m on the plane, I calm down a little bit. When I first heard about Dahlia being in labor, I was in a panic wanting to get to her so I could be there for the birth of my niece. Now that I’ve had time to calm down, I’ve had time to think about things. Like the fact that I’m bringing four guys home.In Jacksonville I never had a boyfriend. How could I have one when a guy could never even touch me? Everybody thought I had a fear of touching. But I could never date a guy when I would know everything he’s ever thought. It’s too… invasive. It’s different with the guys. They only share what they want, which is how a relationship should be.Oh, my gosh.I’m bringing four guys home.How the heck am I going to explain that to my family? I can’t exactly introduce t

ALEJANDRA.Adeline Rose Smith was born an hour ago.I’m an aunt.Now, I finally get to go back and see her and hold her.Adeline and I share a middle name, which I think is so sweet. I love that Dahlia shared a part of me with her child. It makes me feel special, like I really am part of the Monroe family, even if I’m not biologically part of it. Of course, they don’t know that and I hope they never do. Since I can’t tell them about me being supernatural, I’m not sure how I could explain it to them. They’ve been compelled with false memories. Memories of me coming home from the hospital with Katherine and things that never happened. It’s strange to think all the stories my parents told me about my birth just aren’t true.I need to talk to Margot Westwood if I want to know anything about my birth or anything about my biological mom. I have a lot of questions, but I’m not ready just yet to ask. Soon, hopefully, I will be.When I walk into the room, Dahlia is holding the baby. She’

ALEJANDRA.We wake up early on Monday morning to head back to school. I’m sad to be leaving my family behind but also excited to get back to my new normal. I’m mostly dreading going to school. Maybe this week will be different. Maybe I’ll get past the stigma of being the new girl and I will actually be able to make friends. But even if I don’t make friends, at least I have my guys.I’m no stranger to being an outcast. I’ve heard the things people whispered about me as I walked down the hallway at my old school. I remember how people would give me dirty looks. And I remember how those same people would be nice to me if Zaire or Katherine was around. I can’t imagine how horrible high school would’ve been without them protecting me.I’ve always tried not to be too offended by the way people acted. I, of all people, know exactly how hard high school can be. Plus, I’ve learned a lot from the horrible way that people have treated me—I have learned that I never want anybody to feel the wa