Chapter 34 AURORA Heughed my question off, like he always did .


    But the conversation stayed with me throughout the week .


    I sent the twins with Holden , to be guarded by the Fall Like Pack while I prepared .


    Mrs.


    Melville would have gone , too , but she had a sudden family emergency back in Europe , so I sent her home .


    Between Evander and the Blue Ridge guards , we could make something work until she came back .


    Normally , I wouldnt trust anyone else with my kids .


    But Holden knew everything , and the more I talked to him , the more I realized there was more to him than the yboy Alpha he pretended to be .


    Besides , his parents had met the twins in Europe , and they loved them .


    Grandmother Augusta wasnt exactly affectionate , and I wanted the twins to have grandparent figures who were .


    I asked my grandmother to send more High Alpine wolves .


    What Esther Reed had done had lost me Danes trust possibly even more than running away five years ago had , and Id feelfortable with members of my own pack … as long as they didnt work for my cousin Lilliana .


    Chapter 34 But Grandmother Augusta said there was no one lo spare .


    High Alpine had its own problems , its own pack wars .


    What I was doing was only one of many tes my grandmother kept .


    spinning , always making sure the pack stayed on top .


    Stayed strong .


    2/5 I understood .


    Shed sent me here to prove myself , after all , and I would .


    Youll see , darling .


    You are the chosen of the goddess .


    Dont be surprised if this is how you get your wolf back .


    I blushed , grateful I was on a voice only call with my grandmother and she couldnt see me .


    She hated shyness .


    She saw it as weakness .


    I hope so , grandmother .


    You will , my grandmothers voice was firm .


    Its the only reason Imfortable making you Luna heir .


    I know your little book and this power youre unlocking with it will make you whole again .


    I hated that her words made me feel shame but pushed it down .


    Youre right grandmother .


    I wont disappoint you .


    I couldnt .


    My life and my childrens were on the line .


    ***** DANE With everything that had been going on with Aurora , I hadnt visited my grandfather in days ..


    Chapter 34 3/5 I went to see him in his cottage on the mountain above the pack house the night before the ceremony .


    I told him about it , but he only seemed to be half listening .


    Wheres Ann ? he asked .


    Aurora , grandpa , I said .


    Under the table , I gripped the arm of my chair .


    Shes at the mansion she bought .


    I thought she woulde to see me again , he said .


    In truth , Aurora probably would have … if she didnt think Id kill her if she set foot on my packnds .


    Aurora isnt wee here .


    Shes Broken Forest .


    A Reed .


    My grandfather glowered at me .


    Shut your mouth , boy .


    You married her .


    Shes a Montague .


    Were not mated anymore .


    She left me .


    You treated her like garbage , my grandfather said .


    There was a reason for that , I snarled .


    I stabbed my fork hard into a piece of meat before I could calm myself .


    I took a breath .


    and let it out through my teeth .


    Im sorry .


    I just … havent been sleeping well .


    I hadnt rested since that night , captive in that cave .


    I couldnt sleep .


    I hated her more than ever , and I hated myself for still wanting her .


    Chapter 34 4/5 I had Esther Reeds phone with its damning recording .


    I thought about throwing it away .


    Instead , I sent the recording to some contacts of mine .


    The look in Auroras eyes when shed heard it … Shed been disappointed .


    Resigned .


    Was that because it was real , and she didnt think Esther would have it ? Or because she knew Id jump at any chance to believe she was as conniving and maniptive as I imed she was ? Stay here tonight , my grandfather said .


    I always find I sleep better away from the crowd at the pack house .


    I agreed .


    Besides , Evelyn was still at the pack house .


    In my bed , waiting for me to join her .


    Like Aurorastest betrayal would suddenly make me want her again .


    I bit back an irritated growl at myself .


    Youre right .


    I could use a night here to clear my head .


    I fell asleep in my grandfathers guest bedroom that night .


    It was right next to his .


    Which was why , when he started gasping and iling in the middle of the night , I heard .


    I ran into his room .


    His covers were on the floor , and he was moaning and snarling like a wolf caught in a trap .


    No ! he whispered .


    He swiped his hand through the air , and I Chapter 34 saw hed partially shifted .


    His fingers were tipped with long ws .


    I wont sacrifice him … not my grandson … he doesnt need it … not that kind of power … 5/5 Frowning now , I carefully approached the bed .


    When I touched his shoulder , my grandfather sat bolt upright and held his ws to my throat , a snarl on his face .


    He was panting like hed been running for miles .


    I carefully blocked his ws .


    My palm bled where theyd sunk in .


    Dane , he gasped .


    He pulled his ws back .


    They retracted into his skin , and he ran a hand through his hair .


    I … Goddess .


    You were talking in your sleep , I said .


    Something about sacrificing your grandson ? I expected him tough it off , but my grandfathers face went white as a sheet .


    I sat down on the side of the old mans bed .


    He looked terrified .


    Grandpa ? What arent you telling me ?