Lenora’s POVMilo takes off like a bullet out of the apartment.“Beta, sorry, but you need to stay here. We’re bringing the Gamma and Carly here so we can prep for lockdown.” I guard steps in front of me when I try to chase him.“What about the Luna?!” I try to push my way past him.The loudest wolf’s howl I have ever heard brings me to my knees, forcing me to expose my neck. A wave of rage flows over me from the hallway. Glass shatters in the distance. “Oh Goddess! It’s Elexis!” Justice howls. I sense her trying to shield me from the powerful emotion. “Run, child!”“Wh-what?” I look up and see the guards also bowing. “Kas! We have to help her!”“Elexis broke through the fourth-floor window!” James yells in the mindlink. “Alpha, Beta, Gamma are in pursuit.”“Block everything south and east of the packhouse!” Bronx growls in our minds. “We aren’t able to outrun Elexis. Let Dagger catch her scent. Push her toward the northwest. Corner him against the cliff of the Blood River gorge.”“B

Lenora’s POV“Elder Randall Smith’s office.” His assistant sounds so pleasant even though she has probably the worst job in the world.“Beta Regent Lenora and Milo Stone of the Blood River pack calling for Elder Randall.” Milo laces his fingers together and sets his hands on his desk. “We’re calling to report the death of a former member of the Silver Moon pack. The last time Lenora spoke with Elder Randall, he told her the guy was under his charge.”“Elder Randall is in a meeting, Beta Milo.” The girl says apologetically.“He was in meetings when our Gammas called three times yesterday and twice when we called this morning.” Milo smiles wide and uses his friendliest tone. “If you can’t pull him out of one of these critically important meetings to take our call, we’ll be happy to contact Elder Karthik to handle the matter.”“Oh, uh, no no!” Her voice goes up an octave. “Give me just a moment. P-please don’t hang up, Beta Milo.”“I’ll hold as long as I need to.” Milo says and puts the

Justice’s POV My head throbs so hard that it wakes me up. Lenora feels like she’s still sleeping after the fever. The energy it took for her to fight it off was intense, especially with how difficult it was to protect Cordelia. It affected me as well. It was so powerful that I couldn’t block her from seeing my memories. I hope I can convince her it was a dream from the fever. Poor girl. I wish so badly I could tell her that the fever is the first sign. It doesn’t get easier from here. Cordelia will be born soon and our time together will be over. I will miss her tenacious spirit. I sit up with a groan and look around. I’m in the hospital wing. There are cool ice packs under my knees and the back of my neck. I run my hands over my belly. There’s a strap around my midsection. I assume it’s monitoring Cordelia. Technology still amazes me. Codi kicks one of my kidneys, trying to make room for herself. “Ah, take it easy there, Cordelia.” I rub my belly and smile. “We’ll be reunited soon

“Milo! Oh my Goddess! Oh MY GODDESS!”Ghost jumps forward, swiping the air to defend us. Someone screams. There’s no one there. It’s just Leni and me and the thick metallic scent of liquid death.Blood? Why is there blood? I’m hallucinating. I grab my head to shake the feeling away. My hands are wet. What the fuck? I yank Ghost back and stumble forward, disoriented from the transition. “MILO! Help me!” Lenora screams.I turn on the light and look at Lenora. She’s covered in blood. I look down. I’m covered in blood, too. Oh Goddess. Did I do this?“MEDICAL TO THE BETA RESIDENCE!” I yell into a mindlink. “EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVAC!”“On the way, Beta!” A chorus of voices reply. “Leni, what happened?” I rip the covers off if her. The linens under Lenora are soaked through with deep red blood. I secure my arms to carry her while she writhes in pain.“Codi is dying!” She wails and grabs her stomach. “I can’t feel her! Justice is fading away! Milo! Help me, please!!”“Beta! Medical team is

Milo's POV“You just have to rock back and forth. It should help relieve pressure on your pelvic area and your tailbone.” Jorge takes Leni’s hands and makes sure she’s stable sitting on the ball. “You can also slide forward and let the ball support your back.” He shows her how to slide forward, then sits her up again. “Oh wow. That feels… amazing.” A look of relief washes over her face as she rocks. “Mm hmm. Most of my patients say that.” He chuckles. She nods with a smile and rubs her belly. I tilt my head and smile at her. “Looking at you compared to a few days ago, it seems like the baby’s starting to drop. She ain’t sitting as high as she was. We should see you in Labor and Delivery any day now.” “Jorge, you’re a Goddess send.” Leni coos at him, still rocking on the ball. “This is perfect. Thank you.” “You’re welcome, Beta.” He gives her a little salute. “I’ll catch up with you after your pup is born to see how you’re feeling. Beta Milo, just stay close while she’s on the ba