Without thinking, Vesta turned and ran. She ran as if her life depended on it, her feet pounding against the forest floor, the wind whipping through her hair. She couldn't face King Lucius, couldn't accept him as her mate. She would rather live a life of solitude than be bound to the man she believed had taken everything from her.

Behind her, she could hear the distant calls of her pack members, but she ignored them. She had to get away, had to clear her head and figure out what to do next. The forest offered her solace and a temporary escape from the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume...