Emerald sat frozen in the silence after the door slammed shut. Her heart raced, and she could feel her wolf moving restlessly inside her.
Kieran was determined to get revenge, and she understood what that would bring: violence, chaos, and a cycle of destruction that could pull not just his pack and Rick's into the fight, but also involve others.
Her hands tightened into fists. There has to be another way.
If Kieran wouldn't listen, maybe Rick would. Maybe she could remind him of the truce they had agreed upon, remind him that there were bigger enemies than each other.
She grabbed her phone, opening her messages with trembling fingers.
Emerald: We need to talk. No more games. Meet me alone. We have to end this before it starts.
For a moment, she doubted he'd even reply. But then the screen lit up.
Rick: Fine. Midnight. East Ridge. Come alone.
