Chapter 42 DANE My sister was under a tree with a dusty , torn nket thrown over her .


    She was still , her skin grayish .


    But she was breathing .


    She wont wake up , Aurora said .


    I pulled back the nket .


    There was a shadow mark on her chest .


    It was simr to the one my grandfather had , but it was bigger and still growing .


    Aurora gasped and held the children tighter .


    I was so worried about the children ; I didnt even think- Evelyn ! I called .


    She came and stopped the mark , just like she had on my grandfather , by pressing her hand to Pipers skin and channeling pure moonlight .


    Aurora still held the children .


    Children it was ridiculously clear now were hers .


    Shed lied to me .


    Again .


    I shouldnt have been surprised about that .


    I shifted back into human form .


    Thankfully , only my shirt had Chapter 42 2/5 torn , so I didnt have to walk around all the rubble naked .


    We need to talk , I growled .


    Aurora blinked at me .


    Her eyes were still wide and dazed with fear .


    Then I watched as her face took on the neutral , polite mask shed used so much since returning here .


    Of course .


    She set the children down and said , I know you want to stay with me , but I have to speak with Alpha Montague .


    This is very important .


    Go to Trajan .


    They sniffed , but after a moment of hesitation and two identical suspicious looks shot in my direction , they obeyed .


    I led Aurora away , a little into the trees , out of earshot from anyone else .


    Then I turned on her .


    How old are they ? I demanded .


    The truth .


    Because myst two living family members have just been attacked by shadows .


    while they were in your presence , and my patience for lies ist running very , very thin .


    AURORA I took a breath .


    Most of my mind was still with my children .


    Still crying in relief just to realize they were safe .


    I tried to force myself to be present , to focus on Dane .


    Hed Chapter 42 saved them .


    Hed gone into the rubble and carried them both out with barely more than a scratch .


    3/5 But I hadnt been able to do the same for him .


    I hadnt been able to save Piper .


    Id been so frantic ; I hadnt even seen the shadow mark .


    I could have called Evelyn to her side sooner , could have done more … Aurora , Dane growled .


    But the sound wasnt as angry as I thought it would be .


    He stepped close , took my chin in his hand , and tilted my face up to look into his eyes .


    Tell me the truth .


    The truth ? I whispered .


    Tears were streaking from my eyes , now , because I knew I was trapped .


    There was no way to stop him from finding out the truth .


    I had learned to survive without his love , but I could not survive losing my children .


    I swallowed , then whispered , The truth is , Dane , that you would rather swallow molten silver than mix your bloodline with mine .


    He jerked back , but I wasnt finished .


    I stepped toward him .


    The truth is you hate me , and I would never subject a child to the treatment you gave me for the three years we were married .


    Sad and crawling after you for love , while you were off fucking your mistress and doing everything you could to make me miserable .


    He crossed his arms and stood as still as stone , not retreating , not reacting .


    Simply listening , his face nk .


    Chapter 42 4/5 The truth is , I whispered , The woman youve always actually loved is pregnant with your child .


    You have an heir or will in at few months .


    Youve never wanted or needed me .


    You dont want or need them .


    But I do .


    So when I tell you they are mine and not yours , mine , let that be answer enough .


    The muscles in his jaw worked , and his eyes cut away from me .


    What do you want me to do ? I asked .


    Get down on my knees ? Because I will .


    I sank to my knees in front of him .


    In all my life , I had never been so afraid .


    Please , I am begging you .


    Move on with your life .


    Leave me and my children alone .


    No matter what you think , I dont need revenge on you , Dane .


    I swear , once our business is finished , you will never see or hear from any of us ever again .


    For a long time , he was so still , he might have been a statue .


    But I could see the masked emotion in his dark eyes .


    He took me by the elbow and lifted me to my feet .


    His voice was low and dark .


    Dont .


    Dont what ? Dont beg .


    I dont need- 11 He cut off again , looked away again .


    Then his eyes fixed on mine , and I despaired .


    Before he opened his mouth , I already knew Id lost .


    Chapter 42 5/5 Then he said , Youreing to the Blue Ridge pack house .


    Youll stay there from now on .


    All of you .


    Until our business is done .