Love's Fierce, Patient Embrace

feel the first stirrings of freedom, was now seized by a cold, paralyzing fear. The glowing crest

pered, my voice trembling. "L

yes were scanning the panoramic windows, his head tilted as if listening for a threat only he could perceive. The powerful, ca

s. The Lunar Empresses were said to be she-wolves of immense power, born with a direct connection to the moon's energy. They could he

e. The touch sent a shiver through me that had nothing to do with fear. "This symbol is their crest. Your grandmo

d her own Alpha's attention. It was impossible. And yet, the undeniable proof was glowing on my skin. The w

e fear coiling in my stomach ag

o use your power for their own gain. Others will want to eliminate you to maintain the current balance of power. The message was from m

ed one cage only to be thrust onto a stage with a s

h I'd left in the pocket of Julian's jacket. My hands shook as I retrieved it. Th

e from my grandmother, who had never

oice thick with

s morning. He was... unhinged. He said you were gone, that you'd left. He was asking all sorts of

alm on my raw nerves. I glanced at Julian, who gave me a sl

" I said, my voice crackin

a loud, whooping cheer. "It's about damn time! I'm so proud of you

someone. Ju

As in, the Alpha of Thorne Industries who could buy and sell Ma

very, very long story. But Sophie... I need you to be care

... it wasn't just anger. It was... possessive. Like you're a prize he lost and he's determin

omised. "Thank

entirely alone. I had Sophie. And I had the formidable man standing

id, his voice a low growl. "Especially not now. If he finds out what you are, he'll

with his cold hands and dismissive eyes, trying to

looking up at him, my fe

e windows, from the world outside. He reached out and gently tucked

hout my express permission. Second, I am going to find out who else knows about you and what their intentions are. And third..." He paused,

g crest on my chest didn't feel like a target. It felt like a promise. A promise of a strength I was