“Is that what you are wearing?” Maverick asks, and I frown at him in the mirror. He sits on the edge of my bed watching, waiting for me to panic or change—again. But not this time. No, I’m damn happy in my insanely soft little navy dress. It hugs my curves in all the right places while not showing so much that I am uncomfortable in it. “Yes.” I answer, smoothing it over my hips. “Now let’s just hope I pass inspection.” I turn and walk past Maverick, looking for my purse and wallet, the same one I haven’t needed once since being here. “I really don’t like the idea of you guys going into town.” He says. “Artemis is fine with it.” “Artemis is a great alpha, but this is my realm and I am telling you, I don’t like it.” “You don’t have to like it.” I turn to face him. “Tatum, there are things going on, things that Alpha Artemis isn’t sharing…” he says, standing and walking over to me. I shoot him a glare, pressing my clenched fist to my hip. “Oh, suddenly your alpha isn’t to be tru

*Maverick* I stare at my phone, my thumb hovering over the compose text button. It shouldn’t be this hard to send a simple text, to type in the number and then strategically ask the questions I need to. But it’s the fact that I typed the number with ease that reminds me of who this is. I remember only four numbers by heart. Both my parents, Tatum’s and Jackson. The best friend I have ever had. The same guy who would have left his family behind happily if it meant he could fight by my side. It was always his dream, this life I’m living. If only I could tell him just how much he would have hated it. There is no doubt in my mind that crossing this mental barrier that I put up for emotional protection for myself will mean there is no going back. Once I send this text, Jackson will never let me out of his life again. Or maybe he will when he finds out that the Maverick he used to know is gone, replaced with a broken, darker version. It’s not my choice to send this text, to track down

*Tatum* When I come back out of my room, the TV is set to my requested show and there are snacks and a few cans of soda waiting for me. I frown seeing that Maverick is nowhere to be found. It’s strange how accustomed I have grown to him being around. Going out for girls’ night was…well it was something, but I couldn’t help but feel exposed. Weirdly alone without Maverick waiting in my shadows.I know it is probably due to him being with me at all hours of the day. But having Maverick back in my life, no matter how much of a dick he can be…it’s been nice. “Mav?” I call out. I hear him grunt in acknowledgement from his room. “What? Don’t you want to watch this show with me?” “I’d rather fight the rogues again, Tater tot.” He responds in an annoyed tone that brings a smile to my lips. “If you want that so bad we could probably go for a run again?” I tease and I hear him heave a heavy sigh. “Don’t tempt me,” he growls back, and I can’t help but laugh at him. “Fine. I’ll watch my show

*Maverick* Tatum bounces around like a fucking balloon tied to a fan at high speed. It’s obvious her anxiety is sky high and I understand why. Someone is being asked to leave today, and no one knows who it is. Other than me and the rest of the guards, of course. But if she doesn’t calm her ass down I’m going to duct tape her to the damn couch.I wish Artemis would have just sent out a mass text telling the girls who gets to stay but no. Apparently that wasn’t a romantic option. I also suggested one big meeting where he tells the girl he wants gone to leave. Again, I looked like an insensitive ass. They may not have been great options but at least she would know and wouldn’t have to fret. Artemis felt it would be wrong to announce who was leaving in front of everyone, so his plan is to visit each girl and either ask her to leave or ask her to stay. I have no fucking idea what is taking him so long to get here and ask Tatum to stay. All I know is that it seems like cruel and unusual p

Kira’s eyes widen as the blue oil trickles into her weeping wounds and she tries to recoil against her restraints. She cries out, her legs shaking violently as she heaves from the pain. Her face going white as sweat forms on her brow. “How about now?” I ask her, leaning close. “Still nothing to say? Keep it up Kira, we are just getting to the fun part. When I’m done with this, I scar that face of yours.” “Kira…” a male calls out and I spin to see warriors dragging in a beat up male who is trying to glimpse Kira through swollen eyes. She fights against her restraints, her eyes suddenly wild as they dance between her usual brown and her wolf’s black. The corners of my lips quirk up into a victorious grin. Check fucking mate. “Bring him in here,” I insist, and the warriors do as I ask. “Drop him to his knees and tilt his head back,” “NO!” Kira cries, but I ignore her as they push down on his knees and pry his mouth open. He fights against them and I move over to them, throwing a punch