JAYDEN

The wind outside howled through the cracks in the trees as I stood at the border of the RedMoon Pack, just beyond the gate.

My arms were crossed. My mind miles away.

Catriona hadn't called back yet. She texted. Said she's handling it. Said to trust her. And I did. With my life. But not with hers.

She was out there, trying to silence a leak that could set off a war, while I stood here still trying to shake off the stench of Gabriel.

His words echoed like claws scraping through my skull:

> "Whatever's happening to that little boy, Jayden... it's bigger than you or me."

No....