A deafening silence descended over the great tent as the scout's words hung in the air like a dark omen. Diane felt her breath catch in her throat as her mind struggled to make sense of the appalling revelation.

"My...mother?" she finally managed, her voice little more than a hoarse whisper. "That's impossible. She's been gone for years..."

The battered scout shook his head, wincing in pain. "I'm afraid it's true, my alpha. The rogue has her as his prisoner - a bargaining chip against us."

A rumble of outrage began to build among the gathered pack leaders. Damien's face was thunderous as he rose to his full intimidating height....