I woke to my mom’s soft face and voice. I was back inside.

“Sweetie,” she said, and I groaned, rolling over in my bed, wincing as my body ached with the movement. “We must get ready, love,” she continued, and I opened an eye.

The stupid choosing ceremony.

“I’m not going.”

I wasn’t getting married, and the crowd had looked women heavy, which meant multiple wives to the same men. They didn’t need me.

“Lorelai, I know it was hard on you, the offering night always is, but it’s over with.

They can’t hurt you anymore, and your father has already sent word to the alphas about the state you’ve...