Sydney

Guests are arriving–extended family I haven’t seen in years–when I meet back up with Ryan and Sarah on the second floor landing. I wave down to my great uncle Ben and his mate, Emery, the long-standing Alpha of Obsidian temple. Some of my grandma’s other siblings are here, too, bringing their mates, children, and grandchildren along. I realize why Mom insisted on setting up several long tables in the ballroom. There’s at least fifty people here.

This isn’t going to be a typical family gathering. Not at all. And now, looking at my mate, who has gone so pale I’m wondering if she’s about to faint and fall down...