William found me there, calm. “Done running?” he asked.

“Leave me alone,” I snapped.

“Why? Think you’re crazy?”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I’ve been alone too. No one kicked me out. I’ve never lost control. I haven’t killed anyone.”

“You have a pack,” I retorted. “They kept you down.”

“I met my first wolf at twenty-one. His pack was trying to kill him. I took him in. I grew up in foster care, alone until then. I’m telling you the truth.”

“Why?”

“Because wolves would flee if they knew the truth. Strong packs need strong members.”

William had fought the alpha role. He sought out the unwanted....