Josephine had to be patient, as she knew that the truth, when used effectively, could cut deeper than claws or teeth. She had spent weeks spying on him, biding her time for the right moment to act. When she came upon Isiah alone, she drew closer with an air of casual interest, getting into some small talk about the current tensions in the pack. It wasn’t much to get him to let his guard down—he had always loved a good conversation.

He hesitated the moment she mentioned Zone, but Josephine prompted him to continue, managing to play along with some sympathy. She had assured him that once the truth would...