After confirming the arranged bond with Luke Blackthorn, the Crescent Fang new Alpha, I returned to the Shadowclaw Packhouse to gather my things. I steeled myself, trying to shove thoughts of Ronan’s betrayal deep into my mind.
But as I stuffed my belongings into a bag, the door swung open. Ronan stormed in, his face filled with an intensity I’d never seen before. His wolf loomed close to the surface, golden eyes blazing.
“Ayla,” he growled, his voice raw. “You know how much I love you, right?”
He reached for me, his claws brushing my arm, but the familiar scent of wild jasmine—the same perfume he’d given me for years—turned my stomach. I shoved him away, finally seeing the truth. He hadn’t loved me; he’d been chasing the ghost of Violet all along, using me as her shadow.
Before I could respond, a loud knock echoed through the quarter. The door opened, and Violet swept in, her presence commanding. She flung her arms around Ronan, her voice sweet and melodic. “Ronan! Why didn’t you wait for me? I thought we agreed to greet the pack together!”