DARRAGH’S POV

The morgue smelled like death and chemicals. I found my mother standing beside the metal table where Gamma Killian's body lay, her back straight and her face set. She did not know a thing about what had just transpired and I was about to rock her world. I approached as the pack healer worked quietly in the corner, preparing the embalming solution with practiced hands.

"Mom," I said from the doorway. "Let's talk."

She didn't turn around immediately. Her fingers traced the edge of ...