The pack house felt colder in the wake of Roland’s storming return. Even though the doors had slammed shut behind him, his presence lingered like smoke that clung to every corner of the halls. Conversations hushed when Bella walked by, eyes flicked toward her with unease, and whispers followed her steps like shadows.

She tried to ignore it. She tried to breathe. But every glance reminded her: Roland had spoken to her, about her, as though she were a prize in some game she never agreed to ...