Chapter 9

As we looked for Luna in the weeks after my visit to Sterlina, I'd asked old man Waters about wolves who might have left the pack before I became Alpha, and he mentioned a murder and the disappearance of the man's wife. In itself, death isn't any more rare among werewolves than it is humans. We live rough lives, have hot tempers, and can turn into vicious

animals at the drop of a hat. What's rare is a woman choosing to leave the pack bond and set out as a lone wolf instead of grieving with the pack.

But once the pack bond is severed, a lone wolf is just that—alone. She chose to cut ties with the pack, and they respected her decision. No one knew she was carrying a child… Until now.

"We can discuss this later," I say to Luna at last. "Tonight, I'd like to introduce you to the pack."

Her eyes go wide, and she crosses her arms over her chest, her lip jutting out in defiance. "I don't want to."

"Why wouldn't you want to meet the pack?" I ask, confused.