THEO POVMONDAY AFTERNOON- DATE DAY-PRESENT TIMETapping my phone screen, I find it devoid of messages, still. My foot tapping anxiously against the floor as I try to return my attention to the never ending pile of pack paperwork. It’s been two days..why hasn’t texted me? It’s been two days since the paintball game and our moment in the woods…I knew I shouldn’t have engaged in his bullshit…Goddess; I shake my head, trying to clear the negative thoughts forcing their way inside. Looking at the stack sitting in front of me, I can only imagine that Drew has the same kind on his desk. Although New Moon is a much smaller pack… I divert returning to the cynical.‘New Moon is also moving an entire pack,’ Cerberus reminds me, always quick to come to Drew’s defense.‘He could still text us,’ I grumble back, tired of his logical thinking and quick remarks.‘You haven’t texted him either,’ he retorts with a snap, missing Demitri as much as I miss Drew…I swear each day gets more agonizing than th

XANDER POVPRESENT TIME- NORA’S BEDROOMAs I scroll through the dozens of messages in Nora’s phone, the higher my blood boils, it’s going to melt me from the inside. I am doing my best to hold on to my sanity, to not slip into the darkest parts of myself. Those areas I keep in the shadows, the parts I reserve for my work, not for her.The demon waiting inside, pacing in his cage, urging to have the reigns. But he comprises all the things I hate about myself. Those characteristics that remind me so much of my father, the side I had to create to survive in his house. I have always found a healthy way to exercise him, so that the urges don’t happen in situations like this. Around her. Never around Nora.“Xander?” her soft voice breaks through the growls of my inner demons, tingles sparking across my chest as she buries her face in my chest. The cage lowering as breath returns to my lungs. Her touch calming the inner turmoil raging within. “Are you okay?”Inhaling deeply, I let her lavende

NORA POV -Sparks surrounds me as Xander wraps his arms around me, trying to calm the blood racing through my veins. His warm breath against my ear and cheek, his deep voice coming out in a husky whisper. “It’ll be okay, Nora. I promise, give them a chance.”Turning my face so our noses touch, I inhale his scent, running my nose along his. My lips are about to graze his when the door swing opens suddenly. The sudden movement startles me so badly I jump away from Xander like he’s a bomb.Standing in the doorway is Damon, in basketball shorts, and a towel wrapped around his neck, water dripping from his hair. “Xander and Nora, what’re you guys doing here?” He asks, a knowing little smirk on his face as he looks at us.“We need to talk,” Xander says, his voice gruff and serious, a look passing between the men."Of course,” he nods, “but be quiet. The others are still sleeping. Movie night went late last night."“Fletcher here?” Xanders asks, in a whisper, as we step over the threshold.“W

XANDER POVNora snuggles into my chest, finally asleep after a long day of plotting, and I know it’s exhausted her. I know she was feeling overwhelmed listening to the three of us talk. Eventually, the Gammas got involved and I could see it on her face, the terror. Charity and Matt might have lighthearted personalities, but Jesus Christ, the things that they suggested, made me flinch.It was at that point that she had been done with the whole thing. Unfortunately, we had to plan for all contingencies, mistakes, unknown outcomes. The reappearance of old enemies, because we all have a few.New enemies that want to have their turn at the chessboard could find our absence as the perfect advantage. We were taking a big risk meeting in a city. Too many eyes, too many variants to cover. Even with Damon, Elle, Matt, Charity, and Fletcher involved, there are too many variables to consider and prepare for.Nora sighs, wrapping her leg around me, her arms pulling me tighter, and I have to be than

NORA POV The brisk morning air whips around, with the screams of children and teens play soccer in the field. Andrew continues rocking, sipping his tea, neither of us saying more, finding a comfortable silence in each other’s company. I wouldn’t say we are friends now, but I like him a little more than I did yesterday. I guess it’s a start. “How are you liking Silver Run?” He asks, trying to make small talk. Meeting his gaze, my eyes narrowing as I assess the man sitting across from me. “It’s different from what I thought it’d be,” I answer honestly. “We heard a lot of rumors when Tiberius was “Alpha”. But Elle…I can tell that her pack is happy.” “They are, aren’t they?” Andrew asks, pride in his voice. He obviously holds a lot of respect for the couple. “I have one question….” I trail off, wondering the best way to word it with offending the young wolves playing nearby. “It’s quite unusual for an Alpha to allow rogues to live within their territory…How…?” “Elle has an excellent