The council chamber still smelled of old smoke when Bella entered with Alfred the next evening. The elders had called yet another meeting—too soon, too eager. Whispers spread through the pack like wildfire, each rumor sharper than the last.

She knew what they wanted: cracks. And she feared they were beginning to find them.

Alfred’s hand pressed lightly against her back as they walked down the center aisle. His strength was there, solid as stone, but she could feel the tension rolling off ...