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I’m acting out of character. I know it. He knows it. The pack knows it, and, worst of all, Yelena knows it too. I can feel her questioning gaze burning into the side of my face, but I refuse to acknowledge it.

The constant murmur of my pack, whispering all around me, tells me that what I’ve dreaded has already happened; this scene will be the main discussion amongst them for days.

“You should go in, get some rest,” I tell her gruffly, turning away to stalk back toward the party. Yet, the closer I get, the more Irealize that I don’t want to be here anymore. The bonfire has lost all appeal.

The only thing that appeals to me right now is blood…and since I can’t have that, a run.

“Vincent, Chris—on me,” I yell, shifting easily into my midnight-black wolf. I sprint toward the tree line, the familiar yips and howls of my men following close behind.

At least as a wolf, everything feels clearer. Life makes more sense. If only for a little while.

Chapter Four

Yelena

The cottage is too quiet. I sit in my favorite chair and try to read my book, but my heart isn’t in it. I have the whole cottage to myself for a change and I know I should take advantage of the peace and quiet, but my mind is consumed with replaying the night of the Bonfire over and over again.

Austin’s actions have left me feeling hurt, humiliated, and bewildered. I still can’t believe he banished Jimmy from the party for simply dancing with me. It’s all so confusing. It was a harmless dance at a pack event. There was no need for him to make a scene and assert his dominance in that way. Singling me out in front of everyone…my cheeks burn just thinking about it.

As an Alpha, I know Austin is naturally prone to be more protective and possessive, especially over their mates or intended-mates, but Austin hasnevermade me feel like I can’t even interact with my pack. If anything, he goes out of his way to ignore me and leaves me to my own devices far too often.

I want to talk to him about it. Maybe use this incident to break the ice between us. Yet, when I woke up the morning after the Bonfire, it was to an empty house and a simple text.

Gone on business with Father. Be back later this week.

I’ve heard nothing since.

As far as texts between couples go, it’s laughably brief. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he sent the same thing to his barber or the captain of his guard. Hurt and confusion swirl inside me and suddenly, the silence in the cottage feels stifling, pressing down on me like a weight I can’t shake off.

I set my book down with a frustrated sigh and rub my exhausted eyes. Until he gets back, there will be no fixing this.

Rising from my chair, I decide to take a walk outside to clear my head. The fresh air and company of my packmates might do me good. Anything is better than just sitting in my cottage and replaying that night in my head, over and over again.

The wind brushes against my skin, carrying with it the faint scent of rain and pine. It’s comforting.

Hannah waves at me from the porch of the laundry center and I head her way.

“Yelena,” she beams, jumping off the step to run and give me a hug. I smile at her and hug the young girl back.

“Hannah! How are you today, sweet girl?” I ask.

She twirls in place, and I notice she has an enormous candy in her hand.

“Good. Austin gave me a lollipop!”

My smile is brittle, and I take a deep breath before crouching down to her level. “When did Austin give you that?” I ask carefully.

She twirls again, laughing as her skirts fly out in a bell shape.

“This morning! He said he got it for me on his trip!”

My heart starts to pound and I pull out my phone to check my texts, hoping that Austin had sent me a note telling me he was home.

Nothing.

“How kind of him,” I smile at Hannah, “If he’s home from his trip now, I better go find him!”

Hannah nods happily and returns to playing on the porch, her large lollipop in hand.