Taking a jagged breath, Avery tapped out a resolute message to Miranda Shaw: “Jerome has been the only father my spirit has known. I will bleed for the Hayes Guild if I must. Tell me where to strike.”

Miranda’s relief flooded the mental link like a sudden thaw. “I need you to hunt down Hudson. I’m not asking for a blood-vow, but perhaps you can force his hand to settle this territorial dispute before the Sentinels draw silver.”

The thought of facing the Alpha of the Montgomerys made Avery’s inner wolf whine with uncertainty. Their bond was a frayed rope, sparking with old lightning. To track him now might only...