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Breathing hurt. She was sure she’d broken a rib, but she wasn’t going to admit that. This needed to be over because Joel was enjoying it a bit too much. She lashed out with her only weapon and raked her nails down his arm.

Blood welled.

“Blood,” someone yelled.

“No. She can’t win like that.”

There were murmurs of dissent and she heard them all as she stood, breathing hard, and put some distance between them, in case Joel attacked again. Blood spilled over his forearm and dripped in the dirt. The scent of iron made her mouth water and her stomach grumble. But he wouldn’t taste as sweet as Owen.

Her fingers curled. She’d done it. She’d won. She’d saved Owen. A tentative smile formed, and she risked a glance at Owen. His eyebrows were drawn together when he should be happy. He got to stay…which he apparently didn’t want to do.

Should she have lost?

Screw that. She wouldn’t roll over for Joel and a pack that wanted to punish Owen for being with her.

Joel touched his arm, then studied his red stained fingers as though stunned that he’d lost.

“Owen keeps his place in the pack. This time. This is the first and final warning about your behavior,” Owen’s father said. His lips curled into a sneer as though he’d much rather be able to punish his son. No doubt he’d find a way to do it more subtly. “No morefriendshipswith vampires.”

The pack vampires released Owen. “I don’t want a place in this pack. Your opinion of me and my friends has been made clear.”

Father and son glared at each other.

“I decide when you leave.”

Owen shook his head. “You can object. But you can’t force me to stay.”

“If you leave, it will be with a black mark against your name for rule breaking. No one else will have you.”

“I will,” Ajax said.

Macey looked at Owen.

This wasn’t what he wanted. He didn’t want a new pack, he wanted to start over, and Ajax’s pack was on the verge of being dissolved.

Owen nodded, but he appeared grim. “See father, the world doesn’t end where your territory stops.”

His father’s eyes narrowed. “Since my territory offends you, I will formally banish you.”

Owen spread his hands. “Do it.”

His father’s lips moved. Backed into a corner he had no choice but to banish his son and in doing so he’d lose all control over Owen. “Get your things and leave the pack cabin. Bed down with your vampire friends, they need all the wolves they can find, even outcasts.” He turned away then stopped. “You will need written approval to cross the boundary and collect your belongings from your apartment and you should start looking for another job.”

“Fine.” Owen tossed over his shoulder. He walked over to her while his father made the official statement, then swept her into his arms. She tried not to wince, but her back was on fire.

“I’m sorry I had to drag you into this. They were waiting for me when I left the lake.” He kissed her softly. “Are you okay?”

“A few bruises.” Nothing that won’t heal in a few days. “But you’re an outcast.” As an outcast he was supposed to leave the gathering. Lone wolves weren’t invited unless they were attending with the pack they were intending to join. Too many lone wolves threatened everyone’s safety.

“I know.” He slipped his hand into hers.

Her father flinched but forced a smile. “If you need a place…”

“I still have a cabin for wolves,” Ajax said. “Even though only two are using it. While my pack exists you are welcome.”

“Thank you,” Owen said. “Perhaps we should talk?”

Ajax gave a careful nod.

Macey gave Owen’s hand a squeeze. He’d have to act fast to make his pack a reality.