The candles were lit, and music filled the cave softly from the cheap phone I was still holding a grudge against. It played music but wouldn't let any of my messages come through. What kind of a bullshit scam was that?I took a deep breath, needing to calm myself before Sloane arrived.I had spent a good twenty minutes pacing, then twenty more sitting on the ground with my arms on my knees before I saw the water ripple, signaling that she had just jumped into the pond.It was only a matter of a second now before I would be able to see for myself that she was safe, and I was counting each one.I saw the black waterproof bag come up first, but the hands gripping it weren't Sloane's. The fingers were longer, the palms wider, and the nails were unpainted.Before the intruder could surface, I had jumped to my feet and moved back into the shadows, turning off the flashlight and cursing myself for trying to give the cave a romantic feel with the candles and music. I had barely turned off the

My lips pursed together as I tried to avoid looking at Ben.While Ethan had chosen a picnic on the edge of town for everyone to see, Ben had chosen a private date in the garden.The flowers surrounding us looked beautiful, and the air was still slightly chilled as he had chosen a brunch instead of a dinner. I was glad he had because I got to avoid breakfast with Ethan and my father, and I didn't have to worry about it being too romantic.It was nice and comfortable… or it would be if Ben hadn't been staring at me the entire time like he was physically biting his tongue. His cheeks were pink, and his eyes were wider than usual.He couldn't possibly know about me and Greyson, but he knew something."Are you okay?" I asked, trying to be discreet as I leaned back in my chair to put some space between us. He wasn't making me nervous, but he was fidgeting quite a bit, and I was expecting him to knock something over at any second."Who me? I'm grand! Great…I meant great! No one says grand any

Sloane: I was thinking of taking a day trip to see you…I paused mid-bite, staring at my phone as my heart beat faster than before.The diner was packed and filled with loud talking and laughter. I usually avoided eating here when it was so busy, but something had been pulling me in. Everyone seemed so happy still. They were enjoying their meals and the company around them, and I was starting to feel the same.A few heads turned my way as I set my fork down on my plate loudly to text Sloane back.Greyson: Oh, when would that be?I couldn't help the smile that stretched over my face as three dots appeared on my screen to signal that she was typing."How is everything?" Jessi asked, looking exhausted, but I knew she was excited by how busy the diner was today. More customers meant more tips. "Can I get you anything else?""Everything is great, Jessi. Delicious as always." I looked down at my phone as it vibrated and smiled wider.Sloane: Today. In about an hour?"Actually, can I get half

It was dangerous for me to be here. I knew that, and yet, I couldn't stop myself. I needed to see my Firefly to make sure she was safe. Apparently, my message to Ethan hadn't been clear enough since he had the nerve to break into my woman's room and steal from her. I would have to deal with him sooner rather than later, but I couldn't do it here. Not with all four packs together, cheering for blood to be shed. If I walked out there now, it would be mine that sprayed the crowd as they went wild. The stands had been spread out more than before. The ring from the center had been removed, leaving an open stretch of grass. Yet, Sloane's throne was still front and center lifted on a small platform to be able to see the entire makeshift arena. Sloane looked stunning in her light blue dress. I made a note to buy her as many summer dresses as she wanted because she looked magnificent in them. Her eyes were downcast, and the blank look on her face made me furious. These stupid fucking game

"Have you told her about her father yet?" Freya asked as she slumped down on the couch next to me.I couldn't even bother to shake my head. I had been spending all day working around town, running patrols to make sure it was safe for Sloane to be traveling here on her own, and then spending every night with her.I was dead on my feet, unable to form a coherent thought, let alone dive into my past. It was needed.Sloane needed to know, but I didn't think I had the mental capacity to do that right now. Whenever I had a moment of peace to sit down and rest, something would come up, and my chance for a much-needed nap would vanish.Yet, I was still the happiest I had ever been, and it was all because of Sloane."No. She knows about the attack but nothing else." I muttered, closing my eyes as I let my head fall against the back of the couch."She needs to know." Her whisper cracked, and I knew she was thinking about the horrors she experienced."I know."While I had been out in the woods, F