My fingers tug at his shirt, the fabric tearing under my grip, and I feel Eric’s hands on my shoulders, his lips moving lower, trailing fire across my skin. It’s raw, consuming, the kind of heat that could burn this whole pack house down. 

I want more—more of Rick, more of Eric, more of this bond that makes us whole, even without her.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” a voice snaps, sharp and raw, cutting through the haze.

I freeze, my lips still on Rick’s, my hands gripping his hair. I turn my head, slow and deliberate, and there she is—Lia, standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock, her face a storm of fury and something else, something that makes my wolf howl. 

My smirk widens, slow and deliberate, as I meet her gaze, letting her see every bit of the monster she hates.

Chapter 55: Standing My Ground 🐺🔥🌙


I wake up to a loud knock on the door. My heart jumps and, for a second, I don't remember where I am.


 The carved wolf on the headboard reminds me—I'm in Ironfang. This is my real home. I sit up and blink the sleep out of my eyes. The room is a bit dark. The window curtains are closed. I look around, expecting Eric, but his bed is empty.


I place a hand on my head trying to take a deep breath and reduce the pain that has been killing me since yesterday.


A note sits on the nightstand as I saw it was from Eric with his messy handwriting. It says, 


"Lia, had to leave for an emergency. Dorian's coming later. Stay safe." I frown when I read it. The mate bond still tugs at my chest, warm and sharp. I miss them—Dorian, Rick, Dean, and Eric. Why didn't Eric wake me? Why did he leave without saying anything? The thought sits heavy in my stomach.


Chapter 56 - chapter 55