The air inside the SUV felt too tight, too heavy. Outside, the forest whispered as though holding secrets none of them wanted to hear.

Desiree sat in the back seat, her hands trembling on her knees, eyes darting between the two men in front of her, her father, Ethan, gripping the steering wheel like it was the only thing keeping him steady, and Roman, bloodstained and barely keeping his wolf side in check, pacing restlessly beside the car.

Every breath was thick with unspoken words.

Finally, ...