a's
oman in pajamas and a trench coat, soaked to the bone and clutching a single backpack
er Crown Estate? Ma'am, you sure about that? That place... it's not for just a
city lights blurring past, my mind
ads. The deeper we drove into the forested hills, the more my phone
crest was worked into the metal: the snarling head of a wolf intertwined with a crown. The place looked less like
stood watch. He rolled down his window to speak to them, but one of them simply he
n take you," the driver
r shock. He sped away as if fleeing a haunted h
y cars purred up to the gate, presented some kind of pass to the guards, and
es, was a smaller service entrance. The security there seemed less intense. As I watched,
as my
were silent on the wet asphalt. The back of the van was unlatched. I hoisted myse
else... something wild and musky, like wet earth and animal fur. I dismissed it as the sm
squinted, seeing a bustling kitchen loading dock. While the driver and a team of workers were busy
few nice things I'd managed to save. I ran my fingers through my damp hair, trying t
ards a side door. I fell into step behind him, keeping m
moved with a predatory grace. They were all tall, confident, with eyes that seemed to miss nothing. They
of unease, I scanned
od. To be accepted by Alpha Lyca
ed women stood nearby, sipping champagne. I pr
nothing to me. A nickn
ing with her glass towards a second-floor ba
ith an older, stern-faced man. My path was clear, but two more guards stoo
past them. I needed a
preparing a tray of drinks, clear
mind. I took a deep, steadying breath and started
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