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The shadow-wolf frowned. “No, it’s not.” He looked at the others. “Someone has lied to you.”

“Bullshit.” Dane lurched forward and staggered back when a sharp dagger plunged into the cave floor, a mere inch from his boot.

“One more step, and you’re in the fire.”

Dane’s stare found Gracie’s.What the hell is going on? Grace? Gracie!But her mind remained locked to him.

Lazarus shifted with a grunt and pushed off the ground. His arms and legs were drenched with blood, making it impossible to see where his injuries began. The shadow-wolf growled, but Lazarus held up his palms. “I must check on my mate.”

They held their collective breaths as he lurched to the cave entrance. Lilias threw herself at him, coming out of nowhere and speaking frantically in their ancient language, already pushing her wrist at her mate, insisting he feed.

Lazarus stilled her hand and met the Bishop’s stare. “Thank you for protecting her andproviding blood when I was unable to meet my duty and she was in need. I am forever in your debt.”

“There is no debt, friend.” Eleazar’s gaze returned to the shadow-wolf. “It is unusual to see your kind this far east.”

“I do not plan to stay long.”

Lazarus and Lilias stood back, hands locked and their longing stares protectively pinned on their daughter. He drew his mate’s arm closer and casually started to feed.

Did no one care that this stranger was planning to steal Gracie away?

“Eleazar, did you hear what he wants?” Dane snapped. “Is anyone going to say something?”

“We heard, Dane.” The Bishop looked at Grace, then at the shadow-wolf. “May I?”

The shadow-wolf considered Eleazar for a long moment, then nodded. The Bishop approached her slowly, never attempting to touch her or stand too close. “Grace, do you recognize him?”

Jaw trembling, she looked up at the Bishop with shimmering, trusting eyes, desperately seeking council. She shook her head.

“Have you opened your mind?”

“There’s nothing to search!” This was ridiculous. “He’s not like us,” Dane snapped.

The shadow-wolf scoffed. “Not likeyou, half-breed.” His attention returned to Grace. “I had a vision of you standing where you’re standing now. I come with only honor and integrity in my heart.”

Eleazar frowned. “Why are you here, Grace? You did not have permission to leave the farm.”

Fear filled her eyes, and her chin trembled. “I was worried. Dane said there would be great danger. I know it was reckless, but I felt compelled to follow you. It was only out of concern.”

“Compelled or called?”

Darius held up his hands. “There has been no compulsion on my part. My visions started months ago.”

“How is this possible?” Her whole body shook like a leaf. “I’ve not had any symptoms, and he’s… not like us.”

“There are always exceptions to the rules, child?—”

“This is horse shit!” Dane snapped. “Since when are there fucking exceptions?”

“Easy,” Lazarus warned with a staying hand. “This shadow-wolf does not want trouble, Dane.”

“Fuck him! Grace, you do not have to go with him.”

“Grace,” the Bishop said in a much calmer voice, which she responded to. “An unexpected calling is no less righteous. If it is God’s will, it is your sacred duty.”

She looked down, tears shimmering in her eyes. “I know my purpose.”

“Then you must honor it.”