Chapter 10 DANE My wolf snarled .


    I wanted to rip off Holden Coleridges smug face .


    But pack gatherings like this were sacred .


    Times when we made alliances , business deals .


    Times when pack members could meet each other , and mating bonds could form .


    Ripping off the faces of other Alphas was discouraged .


    Besides , he couldnt be telling the truth .


    If my mate ex ex mate was engaged to the Alpha of Fall Line , I would know .


    Ann Reed hade into my life and destroyed my family .


    Id broken hers in return , but at least they were alive .


    If she was engaged to someone else , why should I care ? The thought made my wolf snarl again .


    She had escaped from me .


    I wasnt done with her yet .


    As I stared her down , noticed the way the years had only made her more beautiful , I told myself thats what it was .


    Chapter 10 2/6 Not the strange dreams I still had about the girl Id saved eight years ago .


    Dreams where I saved her , protected her , and it felt so damn right .


    I hated those dreams .


    I had to believe I hated them .


    Because that was the only way it was normal to feel about the woman who had destroyed my life .


    I couldnt let her go .


    I leaned in toward her and growled , I need to talk to you .


    She stepped back .


    Toward Holden .


    My wolf went feral .


    I had to tense every muscle in my body to keep from transforming .


    There was never an excuse to lose control .


    Ann was the only person who ever made mee close .


    Weve already … talked … in private enough .


    Her eyes swept around the g , especially over the high ranking Alphas and Lunas gathered on the balcony .


    Im finished for tonight .


    I can take you home , Holden said , tucking her hand into the crook of his arm and patting it .


    Youve just arrived , Aurora protested .


    Im sure you have business here .


    Dont all packs have business at the g ? Chapter 10 3/6 Maybe you are my business .


    He grinned down at her .


    I saw the slight darkening of her eyes .


    The pink in her cheeks .


    Again , I mped down on my wolf with iron control so I wouldnt rip the Fall Line Alpha apart .


    Then Ann gasped .


    Her face went dead white , like shed seen a ghost .


    She stared over my shoulder in utter horror .


    Before I could turn , I heard a voice that made the hair on the back of my neck rise .


    Well , look at this .


    Our little Ann , returned home to the nest .


    Its so good to see you , sweetheart .


    Esther and Waylon Reed , Anns parents , wereing toward us .


    AURORA Trajan , I snapped .


    I couldnt tear my eyes from the people whod tortured me for more years than I could remember .


    I couldnt find the words to exin , but he could hear the panic through the pack bond we shared .


    He stepped in front of me and Holden , his bulk blocking my foster parents from reaching me .


    Holdens grin was gone , and he tugged me close and put his arm around me , turning to hurry me away .


    Chapter 10 4/6 I had no idea what my friend was thinking , pretending to be my fiancé .


    But once hed said it , I realized what a good idea it was .


    I needed Danes cooperation .


    But if I was going to be around him , any excuse to stay emotionally distant was wee .


    An engagement to the wolf he hated more than anything was very convenient .


    At this moment , though , I was more grateful to have Holdens friendship than anything else .


    Because I was terrified .


    Numb .


    When I agreed toe back the States , and especially when I agreed toe to the g tonight , I did it because I didnt think Id have to see them .


    The people who had lied to me , called me worthless , and pretended to be my family for the first twenty four years of my life .


    Move , I heard Waylon Reed grate coldly at my bodyguard , who was still blocking them from me as Holden hurried me toward the door .


    Ms.


    DeVere doesnt want to see you right now , Trajan grated back .


    DeVere ? Esther Reed tittered in her high voice .


    What are you talking about ? That was our missing daughter ! We havent seen her for years .


    We thought- Enough .


    Danes voice cut across Esthers like a knife .


    The Council demands I tolerate you here .


    But you will not make a Chapter 10 scene , or there will be blood .


    5/6 Then we were out the door .


    Come on .


    Our car is here , Holden said .


    What about your parents ? I asked .


    There was no way the former Alpha and Luna , who were still very active in their pack , hadnte with him .


    Ill send someone for them , ore back myself , once youre wherever you want to go .


    He grinned at me , and I was struck again by how handsome he was .


    We were just friends we met by chance when he and his parents hade to Europe three years ago .


    He led me to his car and opened the door for me just a tall figure darkened the door of the Blue Ridge pack house .


    Dane .


    How had he already shaken the Reeds ? I slipped into the car .


    Drive , Imanded Holden .


    I knew Trajan would follow in our car when he could .


    Thedys wish is mymand .


    Holden pulled out and started down the country roads .


    Just as we left Bue Ridgends , my phone rang .


    And I looked down at the reason I couldnt let Dane get to me .


    The reason I had to make sure this deal between our packs went through with no deeperplications .


    Chapter 10 6/6 The reason I had to be a Luna so powerful , no one could hurt me again .


    I swiped to answer the phone , held it up , and smiled at the two cherubic faces on the other side of the screen .


    Two faces that were so clearly a mix of my own and Danes .


    Mommy ! my four year old twins said at the same time .


    My son leaned in , so his little nose was practically pressed against the camera .


    You finally answered your phone !