“I’m headed out, thank you for the dinner!” Morgan grabbed his suitcase and now clean laundry. “Sure Papa!” I gave him a small wave. “Call if you need anything.” Max added. We were sitting on the couch after Morgan had done a little reading for me while we waited for his clothes to dry. I got up, confirming that the door was locked. After that, I headed up the stairs. “I’m gonna go to bed. I’m really tired after that.” I stood in front of my door before deciding it would be okay to sleep in there tonight, not wanting to disturb Max. He came up behind me though and put his hand on the door. “Where do you think you are going?” I turned around, aware he had me caged against the door and no way to escape. I smiled. “I figured I would sleep in my room. I didn’t want to bother you tonight.” “Why would you ever bother me Auri? Other than get me hot and bothered.” He leaned into my ear, growling the last sentence.

“MOM!” I screamed as I woke up. It was raining and thundering. Drenched in sweated, I hugged myself, rocking back and forth. I had dreamt about the hunters, when they had taken us away. I screamed when they had taken her away. Taking deep breaths, the emotion was overwhelming. I was being crushed by it. Drowning it in. Being set on fire. Everything was on fire. I choked out sobs. My heart was breaking apart, piece by piece. Frantically, I pressed my finger into my cut on my hand. I felt nothing. No pain. I screamed again and curled up into a ball. Hours passed as I cried, as I was washed with memories. Max’s sweet touches and kisses, his words of love. All of it made my skin sting. Morgan’s attack, his abandonment felt like I was set adrift in the sea, alone during a storm. Logan’s goodbye was a sword in the heart. My head hurt but if I closed my eyes, Micah was leaning over me. Touching me, whispering in my ear that he had stolen everything from me. Finally exacting his rev

***Bryan’s POV*** I was driving in the Mercedes, Denise in the passenger seat. We were headed into the city just outside the pack territory. I decided a month ago that I was going to reward the captains for their hard work. Take them out and have them enjoy an evening. I didn’t trust having all captains out of commission for a night so I took 6 of them last weekend and four of them today. These four were the new recruits Hector had chosen. They were good but young. They had wanted to go to clubbing. Since meeting Denise I thought my club days were over but she insisted coming with me today. Hector also joined after some coaxing. He hadn’t taken a break in a long time.We pulled up to the club and there was a much longer line than I was expecting. Usually this place was never this busy. The boys who drove the Jeep pulled up behind us and jumped out. We gave the valet our keys and headed to the door.“Beta Bryan, chose a hell

“Seriously though, Auri. Why are your eyes like that?” Hector sat down where Denise had been sitting.Auri turned and put her hands on her hips. “What makes you think I wasn’t being serious? What reason would I lie to you guys at this point?”Hector and I looked at each other, shocked. “Because…we would be…”“Be what? Disappointed? Shocked? Sad? Please boys, I’m not a child. I don’t need your approval to live my life how I deem is necessary.” Auri turned back and started rummaging through the cabinets, smelling different boxes.I saw Denise throw a look over my shoulder, basically telling me not pursue it.“What’s it called?” Hector didn’t catch Denise’s look.“Nova.”All three of us stopped. Even Denise stopped pouring the water. She was still pulling out different ingredients, as though it was nothing. As though

***Logan’s POV*** The car was quiet. Leandra had thrown a fit that we were coming back so soon. Honestly, this wasn’t a real vacation. I had tried to enjoy myself, tried to not worry about the next few months but I couldn’t help it. The house had become insufferable. Bryan and Hector were always at my throat. It was time that I stepped back up and into my role. I had decided that something needed to change, otherwise even with Micah’s help I would lose my pack. Glancing in the rear view mirror, Zachary was in his car seat, asleep after staying awake the entire plane ride.“Isn’t that the Jeep?” Leandra’s voice took me out of my head and I looked. The Jeep was pulled to the side of the road, doors still open. Pulling over as well, I parked and got out. Leandra also opened the door and looked around.Leaning in, I didn’t see anything wrong on the inside. I looked around the area and then I saw som