The house was unusually quiet, as if silence could somehow shield them from what lay ahead.

Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the floor. But there was nothing soft about the atmosphere in Crystal's home.

Crystal sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the floor. Her fingers twisted in the hem of her robe. She hadn't slept much.

Ryder's declaration echoed through her bones. "Mate". He had said it with such certainty and power.

Sarah moved about the ...