I sucked in some air, mustering some courage. It was better to reject him now rather than live my life in constant agony of having my mate close by but unable to be with him. That pain alone was too piercing to endure.

I inhaled, sparing one glance at Astride, then to the Elders. "I, Penelope Heather—" Just then, the loud opening of the doors interrupted my words of rejection. Everyone snapped their heads in its direction, and rage flashed through me at the person that entered.

Racheal Chrysler. She was definitely an uninvited guest.

She held everyone's attention. Some had a knowing look on their faces, while some sent...