Chapter 48

Troy

We pulled up to the cabin just as the sun started to set.

It was a bad time to mark my mate. My head was all messed up, my emotions all over the place, and marking a mate when your heart wasn't in it could be dangerous. I could kill her. But I couldn't wait. My enemies and allies alike were forcing my hand.

My heart was broken and I didn't know if I could put it back together this time.

Despite my threats, I never planned to kill Caroline. Quinn was right about her. She was just a lost, lonely, and scared young woman, clinging to anyone who'd show her an ounce of love. I knew what that could do to someone.

But it was the loss of Mario that tried to choke the life out of me. He was part of my pack, one of mine, and I was connected to him.

While I lay bleeding in the street, clinging to the little bit of life still left in my body, I felt Mario leave. His death was slow, painful, and terrifying. He wasn’t ready to go, didn't want to leave Sebastian.

I saw my brother only on