TZPATRI
ent sat on my nightstand , radiatin
he email was a splash of cold water, a stark reminder that I was out of time. My heart felt like
ldn't sign my life away without knowing
acket and took the first b
er seen on the news. Alistair must have anticipated my visit; as s
he top-floor VIP wing. I
arded by two stone-faced men in black suits.
ing area, a separate bedroom, and an array o
area and saw him, the man
werful frame evident even under the sheets. He had short black hai
familiarity washed over me. I was s
y, and a long-forgo
ause of my "wolfless" status, a few older
e alley behind the school. I thought
the alley's entrance. A tall figure got out. He didn'
rrogant, froze like statu
ing at me. All I saw was a blurry profile and the scent h
passing by who had unintentionally saved me. But now, that
tic. He had protected me wh
gently touch the back of his hand. His skin was warm
act, I saw his fingers twitch. A t
een burned. Did I imagine it? Was i
till again, as if the movement had
against my ribs. This man
. He had helped me. Now he needed help. And I
; I was becoming property. The fine print about 'absolute obedience' and 'restricted contact' meant I might never be allowed to see Grandma Maeve again, even if I had t
im one last look. "I'
wn the long corridor, and re
reement, and without a second's hesitation, I
or any job I could find. Waitress, cleaner
my grandmother Maeve's sur
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