The stranger was seized the moment he shifted back into his human self, his wolf retreating. Cassia, unconscious, was taken as well.

Bruce, still unaware of the full details, wasn’t sure if the stranger had truly been an enemy or another victim caught in the chaos—but in the end, he couldn’t take chances. Both were treated as suspects.

When Meret was finally freed, Bruce pulled her into a crushing embrace, his grip so tight she could barely breathe. His voice trembled against her ear, raw ...