As Lily ventured beyond the castle grounds, the desire for freedom compelled her to explore. Tiffany had chosen a spa day, leaving Lily with the itch to get out and wander. She couldn't sit still to read and she didn't want to play any more videogames.　　'Why can't this day move faster?' Lily thought as she stomped through the snow.　　'Freaking out about is not going to make this any easier. Be calm,' Dina answered, noting her restlessness. 'Ethan promised to update us when Debra arrives. You just have to wait.'　　"I know, I know, I just can't stop thinking about what we should ask her," Lily groaned in frustration.　　Dina's suggested, 'Let's run this energy out. You can't think if you're running.'　　Lily started jogging, her pace quickening as the wind whipped through her hair. She continued until her body protested, and she slowed to a stop. At that moment, she sensed a familiar presence.　　As she turned, she was met by the sight of Garrett standing before her. Her guard went up im

　　Garrett's hungry kisses and eager touches stopped suddenly, only for him to take off his shredded shirt. Lily sighed dreamily at the sight of his large, muscular, tanned chest. She noticed the claw marks and frowned. "He hurt you," Lily said.　　"Worth it," Garrett said, allowing Lily  to caress his chest only briefly before Garrett was on her again. There was a sense of need in the way he looked at Lily, in the way he kissed her and then her throat, almost as if he wanted to devour her. His passion was nothing like it was before. 　　'He's not holding back anymore. He and Berric are aligned as we are,' Dina chimed in briefly, taking Lily out of the moment. A light nip to her nipple brought her back and Garrett growled, "Tell Dina she'll have her chance with Berric but right now it's you and me."　　Garrett captured her lips again before Lily could respond. She couldn't help but smile. A part of her wanted this domination, possession. Lily wanted the taint of losing a mate off her. She

　　"My Lord," Debra greeted as she entered Ethan's private chambers. He was engrossed in reviewing paperwork for the upcoming trial. Debra felt a mix of apprehension and determination. She had expected to meet with Lily before Ethan, so she was surprised when Ethan requested to speak with her first.　　Ethan's brow was furrowed in concentration, but he looked up as she approached. His expression softened at the sight of her, and a warm smile touched his lips. "Luna Debra," Ethan greeted her warmly, standing to welcome her. "Thank you for coming. I know that you really want to see your granddaughter first, but I need to take precautions before I allow you to do that."　　"Completely understandable," Debra responded, returning his smile. Her presence carried weight, and she couldn't ignore the unease that had been gnawing at her since she'd heard troubling rumors about Kenneth's plans for the day of Lily and Garrett's trial. "Then, in a show of good faith, I wish to tell you what I have hea

　　"How did I get here? Lily thought to herself after opening her eyes to see the night sky. She knew that she was no longer in bed with Garrett but was lying on her back outside in a forest. Even though she was naked and exposed to the outside air, she felt oddly warm, comfortable, and at ease in her surroundings.　　The earthy smell of trees and leaves permeated the air like a thick blanket. A gentle, silvery light illuminated everything and cast a glow over the surroundings that appeared to be from another planet. Lily realized as she looked down that she was no longer in her adult form but had instead regressed to that of an infant, and she was currently being swaddled in a cozy bundle of blankets.　　"Am I dreaming? Dina?" Lily thought again, hoping Dina would respond, but she heard nothing.　　As she looked up, her eyes were filled with a mixture of confusion and wonder. A massive red wolf with fur the color of a deep, flaming crimson that seemed to shimmer in the moonlight stood in

　　"I should punch you in the face for making me wait so long to make things right with her," Garrett growled as he walked into Ethan's office, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.　　Ethan leaned back in his chair, his eyes crinkling with amusement. The history between him and Garrett was complex, a mixture of mentorship and friendship as he was part of the reason that Garrett had the confidence to walk out of the shadow of his father. "And risk everyone knowing about our relationship? No. That would've been an idiotic move, my friend."　　Their friendship had deepened after Garrett severed ties with his father's pack, seeking refuge and guidance from Ethan. It helped that most of their encounters in Garrett's youth had been positive.　　"You could've told me what you were planning to do, and don't act like you didn't want or didn't try to get Lily to choose you instead of me," Garrett sulked.　　"Of course, why wouldn't I? It would be stupid for me not to make a move on an unmar