The entire pack fell silent after the elder’s words. The burial flames still burned behind them. Ivy stood in the center of the courtyard, her heart beating so fast it hurt. Every eye was on her. Every whisper cut into her skin.

“The child in your stomach will bring doom”

“I said stop.” Ivy’s voice broke, but she forced it out. “The child is mine. And I will protect it.”

Gasps spread across the gathering.

The old wolf growled. “You do not understand. That child cannot be ...