Ryder POV

We make it back to the compound just as the sun fully rises. Celeste rides behind Jolie, arms wrapped tight around my mate's waist like she's afraid of falling. Part of me still doesn't trust her. Still thinks this could be an elaborate long game designed to infiltrate our pack and destroy us from within.

But Jolie's empathy gift doesn't lie. And Jolie says Celeste is genuine. So Celeste gets a chance, one chance. We pull through the gates and Doc is already waiting, medical bag in ...