Chapter 5 AURORA FIVE YEARS LATER Ann Reed is dead .
Im Aurora DeVere , now , and Aurora DeVere is on the rise .
After years of suffering , I was on the path to being Luna of one of the most powerful packs in the world .
All I had to do to get there was face Dane Montague … and hope I survived .
Because if I knew him , he would want me dead more .
than ever .
I stepped out of the zippy white sports car and took in the Georgia mansion Id just purchased .
As d as I was to see the red earth and breathe the rich air , my stomach felt full of wriggling worms .
Dane had looked hard for me for a few months .
Id even been on the news .
He might have found me … if the DeVeres hadnt first .
Once they realized who I was once they informed me of my true identity as their heiress I was whisked away .
I thought the Council would force me to go back to Dane .
But Augusta DeVere , my biological grandmother and Luna of the Alpine Pack , was one of the heads of the Council .
Not only did Chapter 5 she handle the rest of them , she kept my location and my existence a secret .
The Blue Ridge pack was powerful , but they were nothingpared to the ancient packs in Europe .
Dane never stood a chance .
Luna heir , said a deep voice .
2/6 I smiled at Trajan Graves , who had just walked out of the mansion .
The former mercenary was a bear of a man .
He was my assistant , bodyguard , and my choice for beta when I took over as Luna of the High Alpine Pack .
Trajan , I said .
My voice was smooth , crisp .
Just like my cream colored suit .
Its lovely to see you .
The man gave me a somber smile .
Trajan was only a few years older than me , with curly brown hair and a neat , dark beard .
He was an American wolf whod gone rogue for his own reasons , then almost died .
Id stumbled across him and saved him just before the DeVeres had found me .
He was the first and oldest member of my chosen family .
Everything is ready for you , Luna heir .
Would you like a tour of your new home ? Just the basics , Trajan .
The g starts soon , and I need to dress .
Chapter 5 I suppressed a shiver at the thought .
After five years , I was about to face Dane again .
3/6 At least the g was public .
Hundreds of wolves would be there .
Tonight , Dane expected to meet the representative of the High Alpine pack .
A wolf who had an opportunity that would increase the power of both Blue Ridge and High Alpine beyond his wildest dreams .
That meeting ? It was with me .
My high heels clicked as Trajan and I walked across the stone drive to the mansions entrance .
Inside , a mirror in the foyer ss caught my eye .
My pale hair was longer than it had been when I left here .
Now it was down past my shoulder des , and I wore it lightly slicked back from my face .
My makeup was so wless , it looked like I wasnt wearing any .
People would only notice the glow of my skin and the brightness of my eyes .
I was nothing like the sad , broken waif who had fled five years ago .
But I did look worried .
What should I expect ? I asked as he led me to the sleek kitchen .
The ceiling was two stories , and one of the walls was all windows , looking out on the forest .
He made me tea as I sat at the long bar .
The local wolves are moring to know who the spokesman of High Alpine is .
Chapter 5 4/6 Very good .
I sipped the tea and smiled .
If Dane was expecting me , Id probably already be dead .
Not on my watch , Trajan growled .
I sipped my tea again .
Trajan was the strongest wolf Id met in a long time , but Id never met any wolf who could match Danes raw power .
I wouldnt be here , but my grandmother had demanded it .
And when Augusta DeVere demanded something , she got it , or people died .
I was her favored heir , but I wasnt her only one , and I had two very good reasons to do everything she asked .
That meant that in just a little while , I would have to face Dane .
***** The Blue Ridge pack house was the grandest mansion I had ever seen .
The architecture was so brilliant that it both stood out from the scenery and looked as if it was meant to be there .
It was tucked between two arms of the mountain , which held it close like a loving guardian .
The forest all around was some of the most pristine left in the country .
There wasnt much old growth forest left in the eastern United States , but much of Blue Ridge was exactly that .
Massive trees and ancient habitats that had been all but forgotten Chapter 5 everywhere else .
5/6 Trajan handed me out of the car .
My dress was lc , like my eyes , a sparkling sheath that hugged my every curve .
My neck and ears dripped with real moonstones that shed blue , matching my iridescent stilettos and clutch .
My eyes were lined and smokey .
Many of the wolves of the southeast had hated me when I was Danes wife .
Reviled me for what Broken Forest had done .
What my parents had made me do .
Many of those people would be here tonight .
The dangerous .
wolves who had made Ann Reeds life hell .
I raised my chin , knowing how different I was , and yet , how recognizable , thanks to my pale coloring .
Are you ready ? Trajan asked , a shadow at my side .
No.
Now lets do it .
We entered the venue , and everyone turned to look at me .
Whispers started right away .
But I barely noticed .
My eyes were drawn to the balcony above , where a man stood on his own , looking out over the party like a king .
There was no mistaking that arrogant stance .
Dane , I whispered .
As if he could hear me , his eyes found mine .
Chapter 5 And I knew .
6/6 It didnt matter how I looked , or how long Id been gone , Dane Montague would always recognize me .
His lip curled in a snarl .
Then he walked to the balcony railing and vaulted over .
He fell fifteen feet andnded in a crouch .
He wasing right for me .
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