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 59: Trust and Traps 🐺🔥🌙


I sit on the wide steps outside the Ironfang pack house, leaning back on my hands as the cool night air brushes against my skin. 


The stars scatter bright above me, steady and unbothered, and for a moment I let myself breathe easy. It feels rare these days, to just sit still, no shouts, no growls, no Lerina whispering poison in my ear. Just quiet. Just calm.


I draw in a long breath, and it makes me grin without even trying. This is how life could be if I wasn't stuck dealing with Ethan and his snake of a mother. 


They weigh on me like chains, dragging down every good moment. But the mate bond in my chest pushes back, warm and steady, pulling me to Dorian, Eric, Rick, and Dean making me miss them already. That bond keeps me upright when everything else tries to knock me down.


A few pack members pass by. They bow as they go, their eyes full of respect I still don't feel I've earned. I wave back, the grin tugging wider across my face. 


Chapter 60 - chapter 59