Noemi, reeling from Victoria’s earlier outburst, found it nearly impossible to endure the physical and verbal rot being hurled at her. From the shadows of the chamber, Avery watched the girl’s performance with a hint of dry amusement; she hadn’t anticipated that Noemi would attempt to pin the blame for the pack’s internal friction so pointedly on her.

Initially, Avery had no desire to involve herself in the squabble, but as she sensed the atmosphere around Tyrone grow heavy with a darkening Alpha-presence, she felt the need to clear the air. Just as she lifted her hands to signal an explanation, the Elder cut her off with a sharp, commanding...