Derek POV.

　　I gazed at my screen, my eyes fixed on the invitation Elena had sent me. A part of me longed to be there with her, to celebrate her special day and reconnect with my friend. But I knew it wasn't appropriate, not after everything that had happened. I let out a soft hiss, and Liam, my wolf, chuckled in response.

　　"You were the one who chose not to go to her birthday, so what's the big deal?" he asked, his tone teasing. I rolled my eyes, not in the mood ...