Chapter 2

I didn't look at him again.

I turned and walked deep into the forest.

"That's right.Go back and rest.

Tomorrow I'll bring you the freshest deer heart from the Blood Moon Forest."

His voice softened again.Like landing a punch,then smoothly holding out a piece of candy.

I walked into the freezing forest.The cold wind bit at the back of my neck.

I took out my communication crystal.

I pulled up our appointment at the Elders'Council—the one to register our mate bond.

I canceled it.Without a word.

I went back to the Alpha packhouse.We had lived there for five years.

I pushed open the door.

A brand-new pair of snow fox fur boots gleamed in the entryway.

Elara had arrived two days ago as a guest.

She complained the stone floor was too cold for her feet.

Kyle sent his men to hunt a snow fox just for her.

My old gray wolf fur boots—three years worn—had been kicked into a corner.

I didn't change my shoes.I walked straight in,heels clicking against the stone.

Let them hear me.

Two ferry tickets to the Isle of Eternity lay on the stone table in the living room.

Our planned retreat—meant to strengthen our mate bond.

I picked them up.

Kyle had used enchanted ink to overwrite the names—replacing mine with Elara's.

He'd told me about it yesterday.

Elara had just escaped a nightmare of a past.Her wolf was unstable.She needed an island to recover.

"Selene,we can go on our honeymoon anytime.

Elara's wolf is unstable.I need to be with her."