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Regan didn’t deny it, but she was confused by something Ethan had said. That he wasn’t to rape her. That “the acquaintance” would rip out his heart if he touched her that way. It didn’t sound like the threat of someone who hated her. She gnawed on her lower lip, trying to make sense of it all, but failing miserably.

She glanced across at Gina and realized now that her sister was back, Regan at least had the chance to go off and look for some answers. “Are you two going to stick around for a while?”

Gina nodded. “Catrin has decorated some rooms in the basement for us.”

Regan knew that. Catrin had worked hard to make her sister and her new husband feel welcome. There was a whole suite of rooms down there. She glanced at Darius. He didn’t look too thrilled with the idea, probably worried about Regan sneaking down in the daytime and sticking a stake through his heart. She smiled at the thought.

“We’ll be bolting the doors,” he said.

She raised an eyebrow. “You really think that will help?”

Gina laughed and patted his knee. “I’ll protect you.”

It was good to see Gina so happy. It wasn’t what Regan would have chosen for her sister, but she was willing to suspend her hatred of the bloodsucker as long as he looked after her. She left them talking with Lola but was aware of Catrin behind her as she left the kitchen. Her sister followed her into her room and watched as Regan dragged a bag out of the wardrobe and started to pack. “What are you doing?” she asked.

Regan glanced up. “Gina’s back.”

“I know. So?”

“So you can cope without me.”

“We need you, Regan.”

“But you can manage without me, and I need to find Ethan Stone.”

“And Caleb?”

“What about him?”

“Will he be there?”

“No. Even if I wanted him—which I don’t—he’s made it perfectly clear that he wants nothing to do with me or my world.” She zipped up the bag and picked it up. “I need to finish this.” She leaned across and kissed Catrin on the cheek. “Keep looking for that spell for me. And make sure Lola doesn’t get into trouble.”What else?“And don’t invite any more vampires into the house.”

Catrin nodded. “Please keep in touch,” she said. “Let us know where you are.”

“I will.”

Finding Ethan Stone turned out harder than she’d anticipated.

He’d vanished without a goddamn trace.

Regan had tried every spell she could think of, but Ethan’s Stone’s location continued to elude her. She’d been searching for nearly four weeks now, but it was time to give up.

It was full moon in two days.

She could feel the pull in her blood. She’d changed many times now, and she and wolf were familiar companions, but at the thought of the full moon, excitement rose up from deep inside her. Always since the first time, she had been in charge, but full moon was wolf’s time, when wolf would reign supreme and own the night.

And wolf didn’t want to run alone. Wolf knew exactly who she wanted to run with.

A bond existed between her and Caleb. Regan had tried to deny it, but it was real. His pull was as strong as the pull of the moon.

She hadn’t phoned home since she left, and her cell phone had remained switched off. Now she dug it out from the bottom of her bag and punched in Catrin’s number.

“Have you found a spell to reverse the werewolf bite yet?” she asked as soon as Catrin picked up.

“Hello, Regan, how are you? We’re all well—thank you for asking.”

Regan sighed and tried to ignore the twinge of guilt. “Sorry,” she muttered.