Chapter 49 AURORA The next morning , I finally found Dane .


    He was in his home office , a room filled with heavy , masculine furniture and dark wood .


    He leaned over his desk , writing something .


    I paused in the doorway when I saw him , caught for a moment in the memory of the dream .


    Of the way he wanted me in that ce .


    The way he imed me without hate .


    If only I could stop myself from having those dreams , I might be able to stop wishing he would love me .


    I knocked politely on the door frame , and he looked up .


    I thought I saw something dark sh in his eyes .


    Something like … desire .


    Then it was gone .


    Aurora , he said in a polite tone .


    How can I help you ? Its about yesterday .


    His face hardened , but I continued .


    When I found you with the children , I was actually looking for you for another reason .


    The hardness faded and he looked at me with curiosity .


    Really ? What reason is that ? Chapter 49 The journal .


    Part of the back inside cover peeled up , and I found more writing .


    I think this is moreplicated than we realized .


    2/6 Dane set down his pen and turned to face me fully .


    He folded his arms over his chest and leaned against his desk .


    Complicated in what way ? I lifted the book .


    I can show you .


    He gestured for his desk , and I moved forward to stand next to him .


    I showed him where the cover paper had peeled away , and how there was writing beneath .


    I showed him the symbols that had revealed themselves to me .


    There are three , I said .


    And it speaks of shadows and a prison or cage .


    I think thats why were under attack .


    Because were getting close to the thing that contains the relic , and the shadows are trying to stop us .


    Hm .


    Whoever buried this power didnt want anyone else to have it .


    Typical .


    I nodded .


    Or it could be some sort of trial to worthiness .


    Either way , theyre connected .


    Cour Theres only one problem with what you said .


    Dane looked down at me , his arms still crossed over his chest .


    These shadows arent targeting you .


    Theyre targeting my family .


    Why ? Chapter 49 3/6 I nced up at him , then away .


    It was too easy to get caught in his eyes , to sink in and drown in them .


    I dont know .


    I was hoping the two pages that are still missing might have the answer .


    Do you think Esther might have them , and she was toying with you by just giving you one ? he asked .


    Ive considered it .


    But Im not sure why .


    Like weve discussed , she thinks this journal is an oddity .


    Something silly , full of symbols .


    Barely more important than a coloring book .


    Otherwise , theres no way shed let me have it .


    Dane nodded .


    Still .


    She might have the pages and just be holding them .


    She might .


    But I still think they might also be in the house , lost in the chaos of the years .


    Mm .


    I waited for him to say more , but he didnt .


    I think we were both lost in the memories of what happened thest time Id tried to go and find the pages .


    Dane broke the silence .


    Ill go .


    Im going , I protested .


    Its my book .


    My old home .


    He sighed .


    I meant Ill go with you .


    Bring Trajan .


    Ill bring Archer .


    I believe the four of us should be a match for an old , abandoned house .


    Before we go , Ill have guardsb the area Chapter 49 and make sure no Reeds are waiting in ambush .


    4/6 Thank you , I said .


    This was … casier than I expected it to be .


    His gaze cut away from me .


    I have no problem giving you want you want , Aurora , when what you want is reasonable .


    I snorted .


    Those words were a trap that would lead to another argument over the twins .


    I wasnt going to fall into it .


    Not today .


    When should we go ? I asked .


    He nced outside .


    It was midmorning , the sky bright and blue and warm .


    Tonight , he said .


    Ive already sent the orders for the scouts to begin their work .


    I nodded and went to leave .


    Then I paused .


    Dane .


    How are Connell and Piper ? He met my gaze .


    To anyone else , Im sure he looked like the same stoic Alpha as ever .


    But I could see the hint of blue beneath his eyes , the weariness in the way he held himself .


    The same .


    If the shadows are connected to the relic , finding it may help them , I said .


    It will help them .


    His voice was determined .


    It has to .


    He sighed .


    Were in it , now , Aurora .


    Our actions have affected others .


    We cant stop .


    Not until we see this through to the end .


    He looked so distant and sad ; I moved back to him .


    Tentatively , Chapter 49 I put a hand on his shoulder .


    Im with you , Dane .


    Your grandfather … I always loved him like my own .


    And Piper is incredible .


    I wont abandon them .


    Or you .


    Before he could speak , or either of us could say something more , I left .


    I had to remember to keep a professional distance from him .


    It was for the best .


    After all , he was still the man who was trying to take my children .


    That night , Dane , Trajan , Archer , and I took a car down the road Id taken the other day .


    We parked , walked , and came to the old Broken Forest pack house without hearing more than crickets and an owl .


    The building loomed above us , dark and forbidding , and I shivered .


    You ready for this ? Trajan asked .


    I hesitated , then nodded .


    It was a lie , but it didnt matter .


    Some things just had to be done .


    Lets go , I said .


    I walked inside .


    Dane went first , then me , then Trajan .


    Archer came behind .


    We stepped into the foyer and looked around .


    The men had Chapter 49 their wolf sight .


    I had a shlight on my phone .


    6/6 Well head for her old room , Dane said .


    Remember , watch for There was an ominous creak , and then the floor gave out beneath us .