Chapter 35

Mel’s POV

After picking up Moon from Elinda’s house for the last time, I head to the packhouse. Every member of the Nightshade Shadows pack gathers near the river behind the house for the ceremony. I was hoping to see Jaxon at his mom’s, but he had already left. Maybe he’s just getting ready for the ceremony, but a part of me wonders if he’s avoiding me after what happened earlier.

I’m still in disbelief about my little strip tease in front of the window. I wasn’t planning on doing that, but when Nina and I picked up Jaxon’s scent and caught him practically stalking me from the woods, I just couldn't help myself. I wanted him to see what he could never touch again, that the “favor” was a one-time thing. No more playing games.

Instead of meeting Malcolm at the house, Pat gave me his number, so I texted him to meet me here at the ceremony. But I have something to do first. I sneak through the backdoor of the packhouse and find Mom in the room that used as a nursery for Moon and me. She’s