Feral Heat: Shifters Unbound Novella

AlsobyJenniferAshley

ShiftersUnbound

PRIDEMATES

PRIMALBONDS

BODYGUARD

WILDCAT

HARDMATED

MATECLAIMED

LONEWOLF

TIGERMAGIC

FERALHEAT

WILDWOLF

TheMackenzies

THEMADNESSOFLORDIANMACKENZIE

LADYISABELLA’SSCANDALOUSMARRIAGE

THEMANYSINSOFLORDCAMERON

THEDUKE’SPERFECTWIFE

THESEDUCTIONOFELLIOTMCBRIDE

THEUNTAMEDMACKENZIE

THEWICKEDDEEDSOFDANIELMACKENZIE

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Version_1

ChapterOne

ThefightclubhadmovedsinceJaceWardenhadlastvisitedtheAustin
Shiftertown.TheShiftersusedtomeetfortheirforbiddenboutsinanabandoned
haybarnnestledintofoldsofahill,butthelandhadbeenpurchased,anda
developerhadbuiltoverit.

OnhisborrowedHarley,Jaceturnedfromthediscreetplanethathadflown

himthisfarandheadeddownahighwaythatledtodriercountryawayfromthe
river.Theworldhaddarkenedwhilehe’dflowneastfromNevadatolandatan
airfieldthathadsupposedlybeenclosed.

DylanMorrissey,theAustinShiftertownliaison,hadleftamessageforJaceto

meethimatthefights,andhe’dalsoleftthebikeforJace’stransportation.Tired
andhot,andhavinghauledhimselfhalfwayacrossthecountryatDylan’s
request,thelastthingJacewantedtodowastorideouttothefightclub.But
DylanhadsummonedhimtoworkontheproblemofgettingtheCollarsoff
Shiftersonceandforall,andhadextendedhishospitality,soJacehidhis
irritation,thankedthehumanswhohadhelpedhimgetthisfar,andmountedthe
motorcycle.

Jaceturnedoffwherethedirectionshadinstructed,thepavedroadquickly

turningtodirt,thebikebouncingandskiddingovergravelandthroughruts.The
roadgrewnarrowerandnarrower,untilitpeteredtonothing.Jacecontinued
downashorthillandaroundabend,andfoundtheShifterfightclubbehinda
slightrisethathiditfromtheroad.

Hesmelleditlongbeforehesawtheelectriclanterns,firedancingingarbage

cans,andflashlights.Anythingthatcouldbequicklydousedwasbeingusedto
illuminatethescene.

JacewouldhaveknownitwasaplaceofShifters,eveninthepitch-dark.

Shiftersworkingoffadrenalinerushesandfightinginstinctshadacertain
interesting—andpungent—odor.

Jacekilledtheengineofthebike,parkingitamongthepackofmotorcycles,

pickups,andsmallercars.Hehungthehelmetfromtheseatandmadesurehis
backpackwaswellstashedinthesaddlebagbeforeheapproachedthefightarea.

Hewasn’tworriedaboutShiftersstealinghischangeofclothesandtoothbrush—
Shiftersdidn’tstealfromoneanother,becauseasimplesnatchcouldendupina
fighttothedeath.Possessionswereterritory,andterritorywasrespected.But
humansalsocametothefightclubs,andsomelikedtoabscondwiththings.

Thenewfightingarenawasabroadslabofconcreteaboutahundredfeetlong

andjustaswide.Probablyanoldbuildingoraneventareaofsomekind,
abandonedbyitsownerswhenmoneyranout.Everythinghadbeenpulledaway
excepttheslab.

Ringswereoutlinedbyconcreteblocks,andfirelightflickeredwildly,making

itascenefromhell,completewithdemons.ButthedemonswereonlyShifters
havingfunandworkingoffsteam;thosenotfightingwerecheering,drinking
beer,orfindinghook-ups—humanorShifter—andsneakingintothedarknessto
workoffsteamadifferentway.

Jacemadehiswayaroundcars—afewofthembeingusedforliaisons—and

towardthefirelight.Hedidn’tworryaboutlocatingDylaninthechaos,because
Dylan,aFelineShifterwhowasmostlylion,alwaysmadehimselfknown.

WhatJacedidn’texpectwasthewolfwhosprangoutoftheshadowsina

desertedstretchoftheparkingareaandlandedonJacefullforce.

Jaceswungaroundwiththeimpact,handscominguptodigintothewolf’sfur

andthrowhimdown.TheLupinelandedinthedust,hisCollarsparkingand
sizzling.TheCollar’sshocksdidn’tslowthewolfmuch,becauseherolledtohis
feetandchargedJaceagain.

Jacedidn’tknowwhothehellthewolfwas.Notthathehadmuchofachance

ofidentificationastheLupinelandedonJaceagain,hisCollar’ssparksburning
Jace’sskin.ThewolfwentforJace’sthroat,andJace’shandsturnedtoleopard’s
pawstorakeacrossthewolf’sface.Thewolftooktheblow,landedonhisfeet,
shookhimself,andsprangagain.

Jace’sCollarhadn’tshockedhimyet,buthefeltthebuild-up.Collarswere

madetospikepainintoShiftersassoonastheybecameseriouslyviolent,but
JacehadlearnedtechniquestofooltheCollarandkeepitdormant.Itwastough
todo,however,especiallywhenhewastakenbysurprise.Jacehadtofocusin
ordertokeeptheCollarquiet,andrightnowhewasbusytryingtokeepthis
bloodyLupinefromkillinghim.

Jacewhackedthewolfasideagain,spinningaroundasheshedhisdenim

jacketandhalfshiftedtohiswildcat.Hisshirtsplit,jeansfallingashisbacklegs
elongatedintopowerfulfelinehaunches.Heemergedfromhisshreddingclothes
asafullyformedsnowleopard—creamyfur,blackspots,iceblueeyes—and
thoroughlypissedoff.

Jacewentforthewolf.Thewolfwasbigger,almosttwiceJace’sbulk,but

leopardshadn’tmadeittothetopofthewildcatpyramidbecauseofsize.
Leopardsmightbeamongthesmallerbigcats,buttheywereswift,agile,and
smart,andtheydidn’ttakeshitfromanyone.

Thiswolfwantedtogivehimshit,though.HecameatJaceagain,furup,his

caninejowlsfrothing,hisgoldeneyesfilledwithrage.ThescentthathitJace
reekedofchallenge.Thiswasawolfwhowantedtomoveupinrank,never
mindthatJacewasadifferentspeciesandnotevenfromthisShiftertown.
Dominancechallengesweren’tallowedinsidetheringatthefightclub;oneof
thebiggestruleswasthatfightswereforrecreationandshowingoff—that,and
nokilling.Outsidetheringwasadifferentstory.

Jacegotreadytoteachhimalesson.
Ashedrewbacktorenewhisattack,anotherwolfsprangfromtheparkinglot

andhurleditselfatthefirstwolf.Afemale,Jacescented,onehehadn’tmet
before.

Shewasn’trushingtodefendthewolf,however.SheattackedtheLupinein

fury,teethbared,nearmadnessinhereyes.

ThefirstLupineswungtomeether,andthetwowentdowninanexplosionof

furandsnarls.Jacesatbacktocatchhisbreath,surprised.Thetwowolveswere
evenlymatched,themaleabitlargerthanthefemale,butthefemalewasplenty
strongandagile.Probablydominanttothemaletoo.

Jaceletthefemalegetherfirstangeroutofhersystem,thenhewadedbackin

torescuehisrescuer.

ThemaleLupinehadtheshe-wolfonthegroundbynow.Hepinnedthe

femalewithonebigpaw,snarlingasheturnedtoJace.

Jacegavehimawarninggrowl.Thegrowlsaidthat,upuntilnow,Jacehad

beenholdingback;thatJacewasdominantinhispride,hisclan,andhis
Shiftertown;andthewolfmightwanttothinkaboutitbeforecontinuingthe
fight.

TheLupineignoredthewarningandwentforthekill.Jacemethimhead-on,

hislithebodyandfastpawstakingthewolfdowntothegroundbeforethe
Lupinecouldusehissuperiorweighttohisadvantage.

Theshe-wolfrosebehindthemale,landedonthewolf’sback,andsankher

teethintohisneck.HerCollarwassparkingfrantically,andshegothitbythe
arcsfromtheotherwolf’sCollar,butshekeptbiting.

Jacedrewbackhispawandwhackedthemalewolfacrossthethroat.The

wolfspunwiththeblow,knockingthefemaleloose.ThemaleLupinerolled
acrossthedustanddyinggrassalongwaybeforehewasabletostop.Herighted
himselfbutstayeddownonhisbelly,pantinghard,concedingthefight.

Jacewalkedtohimwithastiff-leggedFelinestalk.Whenhereachedthe

Lupine,heloweredhisheadtothewolf’seyelevelandgrowledagain.Staythe
fuckdown.

WhetherornottheLupineunderstoodFelinerumblesandbodylanguage,

Jace’sglaremusthavegottenthemessageacross.Thewolfsnarled,teethbared,
butheplasteredhisearsflatonhisheadanddidn’tmove.

Jaceturnedbacktotheshe-wolf.Shelaylimplyonthegrass,andJacewentto

her,givingheracat’slickacrossherface.Shegrowledsoftly,andJacelicked
heragain,feelinganeedtothankandreassureher.

Theneeddidn’tleavehimwhenheshiftedbacktohuman.Hestrokedher

head,likingthewiryfurofherwolf.

Thefemalewolflookedupathiminawashofconfusion.Shewasagray

wolf,withgrayeyes.ShebreathedinJace’sscent,wrinklinghernose,clearly
wonderingwhohewas.

Jacegaveherheadanotherstroke,wishingshe’dturnbacktohumansohe

couldtalktoher.She’druntohisrescue,aLupinetakingthesideofaFeline,
andJacewantedtoknowwhy.

Theshe-wolfremainedwolf,stillgrowlingsoftly.Jacetouchedherheadone

lasttimeandwalkedbacktothemalewolf.“Newwayofgreetingguestsin
Shiftertown?”heasked.“Letmeintroducemyself.I’mJaceWarden.Aguestof
Dylan’s.”

Jaceknewhedidn’tneedtoexplainthathisownfatherwasleaderofanother

Shiftertown.ThefactthatDylansanctionedJace’svisitshouldbeenoughfor
thiswolf.

Thewolfmorphedintohishumanform,amanwithshortblackhairandlight

grayeyes.“Hey,IsawastrangeFelinetryingtosneakintothefightclubwhen
hewasn’tinvited,andwhennoonebutregularsaresupposedtoknowaboutthe
newplace.Whatdidyouexpect?”

“SoyouweredefendingalltheShiftershere?”Jaceaskedwithevident

skepticism.“Commendable.”

“Askthatcrazybitchwhatshewasdoing,”theLupinesaid,scowlingatthe

she-wolf.“Nurturingfemales,myass.She’sallspitandvinegar.”

“Letmeguess.”Jacefeltmirth.“Sheturneddownyourmate-claim.”
TheLupinegaveJaceanincredulouslook.“Iwouldn’tmate-claimher.Notif

shewerethelastfemaleinShiftertown.She’soutofhermind.Youcannevertell
whatshe’sgoingtodo.”Themanmadeabroadgestureinherdirection.“You
sawher.”

“Ithoughtitwasniceofhertohelpmeout.”
“Nah,shesawafight,itsparkedherloonyside,andshedovein.Lookather.

She’snotevensurewhathappened.”

Jaceturnedhisgazetotheshe-wolfagainandsawthatthemanwasright.She

watchedJaceandtheLupine,tremblingbuttryingtohideitwithagrowlanda
glare.Jacesawfearinhereyesalongwithdeepanger—awomanhurtingfrom
somethingandnotwantinganyoneelsetoknowit.

“IkeeptryingtotellLiamsheshouldbeputdown,”theLupinesaid.“She’sa

dangertotherestofus.”

Theshe-wolfsnarledagain.ScentandbodylanguagetoldJacewhathe

neededtoknow—thefemalewasdominantbutofadifferentclanthanthemale
wolf;themalewasaggressive,cocky,andhatedtobebested.Themalewolf
wouldbedominantinhisclanaswell.Jaceoutrankedbothofthem,though.

Jacelookedintotheotherman’seyes.“Whydon’tyoushutyourhole,get

dressed,andgothehellhome?You’retoounstabletobeheretonight.”

ThemantriedtomeetJace’sgaze.Hedidprettywell,butintheendhadto

slidehiseyessideways.“What,youwantsomeprivacywithher?Don’tsayI
didn’twarnyou.”

“Justgo,”Jacesaid.
Thewolfsnorted.“Whatever.”Heclimbedtohisfeetandstrolledaway,not

worriedthathewasnaked.

Thefighthadn’tattractedanyattention.Asuddenroarofvoiceswithinthe

arenatoldJacewhy—theremustbeanintensematchgoingdown.Thehuman
voiceswereaccompaniedbyroarsandgrowls,sincehalfthewatcherswouldbe
inanimalform.

Jaceretrievedhistornclothing,gruntinginirritation.He’donlybroughttwo

changesofclothes,thinkinghewouldn’tbeinAustinthatlong.

Thejeanshadescapedtheworstoftheshredding,andhepulledthemon,the

rippedseamsstretchingashecroucheddowntolookattheshe-wolfagain.

“Youallright?”heaskedher.“Whowasthatasshole?”
Thedisgustinhisquestionreachedpasttheferalfearinhereyes.Hesaw

clarityreturn,andthenthewolfshiftedintoafemalewithalush,lovelybody,
close-cutwheat-coloredhair,andlargegrayeyes.

Sheremainedinacrouch,coveringherself,butJace’sgazetracedthecurveof

heramplebreasts,hisnaturalneedrising.She’dbeworthsneakingoffintothe
darknesswith,maybehavingabouncewithinthebedofapickup.

No,she’dbeworthmorethanthat.Thiswasn’taladyJacewoulduseto

relievehorninessandthenforget.Notwiththatgorgeousgazepinninghimflat.

“Hisname’sBroderick,”shesaidinavoiceJacewantedtoembrace.“He

usuallywinsAssholeoftheMontharoundhere.”

“Nodoubt.Whatdidyoujumpinfor?He’srightaboutonething—itwasa

crazythingtodo.Twomaleswiththeirbloodupcouldhavehurtyou.”

“Isawhimbestingyou.NoonedeservestobepoundedbyBroderickforno

reason.”

“Hewasn’tbestingme,”Jacesaid,givingheragrin.“Ihadhim.Andthenhe

startedkickingyourass.”

Shefrowned.“Oh,please.Iwasafewbitesawayfrommakinghimcrawl

awaywhimpering.”

AsJacehoped,hisneedlingmadeherirritationeraseherfearandpain.“Not

tomention,yourCollarwasgoingoff,”Jacesaid.“Areyousureyou’reall
right?”

Heplacedhishandonthesideofherneck,overtheCollarinquestion.

Ordinarily,Jacewouldn’ttouchuninvited,especiallynotcross-species,but
somethinginthiswomancriedouttohim.Sheneededsoothing.

Hereyeswidenedalittle,butshedidn’tjerkaway.“Whataboutyou?Your

Collardidn’tgooff.Youcandampenitseffect,can’tyou?LikeLiamdoes?”

Jacelethisfingerscaressherneckashechosehiswords.“That’snot

supposedtobecommonknowledge.Need-to-knowbasis.”

“MaybeIneedtoknow.Dylan’stryingtoteachme,butIcan’tdoityet.”
“Inthatcase,I’llgiveyousomepointers.”JacetracedherCollartothefront,

pausingwhenhisfingersrestedonitsCelticcrosslyingagainstherthroat.“But
I’dbetterfindDylanandtellhimI’mherebeforethepaybackforcontrollingmy
Collarhitsme.”

“Dylan’sfightingrightnow,”thewomansaid.“Hisboutsarealwayspopular.

Butshort.Heshouldbedonesoon.”

Jaceplacedhishandonhers.Hewantedtokeeptouchingthiswomanfor

somereason,asthoughbreakingcontactwithherwouldlessenhimsomehow.
“Comewithme.We’llwatchhimwintogether.”

“No.”Thewomanstartedtorise,andJaceunfoldedhimselfandhelpedherto

herfeet.Shedidn’thideherselfanymore,aShifterwomanunembarrassedbyher
body.“Ihavetogo.AreyouJace?You’vebeentoShiftertownbefore,haven’t
you?”

“Yeah,butwhyhaven’tImetyou?”Jacestilldidn’twanttoreleaseherhand.

“I’vemadelotsoftripsouthere,butIdon’trememberseeingyou.”

“I’vebeen...sick,”shesaid.“I’mDeni.DeniRowe.”
Deniwatchedhimanxiously,asthoughgauginghisreactiontothename.

“EllisonRowe’ssister?”Jaceasked.

“Yes.”Denistillpeeredathim,waiting.
Jacetightenedhishandonhers.“Whydoyouhavetogo?Staywithmeand

watchDylankickass.YoucankeepotherLupinesfromjumpingme.”

Denididn’tsmile.Sheglancedatthearenaandthemassoffiguresthere,and

Jacescentedhernervousness.“Ican’t.Sometimesthefighting...”

“Callstotheferalinyou?Makesyoulosecontrol?”
Shegavehimastartledlook.“Howdidyouknowthat?”
“BecauseIsawyoureyeswhenyouattackedBroderick.Youdidn’tdiveinto

thefightonlytorescueme.Youdiditbecausewatchingmadeyouwanttofight
too.IwaslikethatduringmyTransition.”Jacecaressedthehandhehadn’t
released.“Allyouhavetodoisholdontosomeone.Thetouchwillcalmyou
andkeepyoutethered.”

Anotherstartledlook.“Thatdoesn’twork.Evenmycubs...”
“Betme,”Jacesaid.“Youhangontoadominant,andhetakestheheatand

coolsyoudown.Works.That’swhatdominantsarefor.”

AsparkofpridereturnedtoDeni’seyes.“Andyou’resayingyou’redominant

tome?”

“Yep.It’sobvious.YououtrankBroderick—Ibetyououtrankalotofwolves

—butyou’renotdominanttothisFeline.”Hetouchedhischest.

Shegavehimahalfsmile.“Andyou’renotfullofyourselfaboutthat.”
“Juststatingfacts.”Jacedidnotwanttoletgoofherhand.“Let’sfindyour

clothesandgo.Unlessyouwanttowatchaswolf.”

Denisenthimanotherhaughtylookthatmadehereyesbeautiful,butshe

didn’tpullaway.“I’llfindmyclothes.”

“Good.”
Jacelefthisshreddedshirtbehind—whybotherwithit?—butcaughtuphis

jacketandfollowedherintothedarkness,herhandonhislikealifeline.A
warm,sweetlifeline.HedefinitelywantedtoknowthisLupinewomanbetter.

***

Deni’sheartbeatswiftlyasshepulledonthesarongshe’dthrownofftorush
intothefightwithBroderick.Broderick’sscentofarrogancehadenragedher,
andshe’dwantedtopummelhimforjumpingtheotherShifterwithout
challenge.

Thenshe’dfelthermemoryslideaway,theferalthinginsidehertakingover.

Sheshivered.Herwildnesshadn’trecededuntilJacehadsmackedthewolf
downhimself,andDenihadfallenawayfromthefight.

Jacehadn’tthenturnedaroundandkickedherbutt,ashe’dhadarighttofor

interfering.Insteadhe’dtouchedher,lickedherwithhisstrangeFeline
sandpaperytongue,thenheldherhandaftershe’dchangedbacktohuman.

Deniwasstillshakyastheyenteredthefightclub’smainarea.Jacekepthold

ofherhand.Itwasabighand,warmbutcallused,hisgripstrong.Hewasa
fighter,awarrior.

IfDenirememberedright,JaceWardenwasthesonofEricWarden,leaderof

theLasVegasShiftertown.Jacewasthirdincommandthere,thesecondin
commandbeingEric’ssister.JacewouldbeinthemostdominantFelineclanof
hisShiftertown,andinthemostdominantFelineprideofthatclan.Thetopof
thetop.

AlphasusuallybuggedDeni,becausetheycouldbearrogantshits,butonly

concernandprotectionflowedfromJace.Analphainterestedintakingcareof
others.Whataconcept.

Thebiggestcrowdgatheredaroundthecentralring—theothertworingswere

empty.Fromthroats,beastandhuman,camewildcries,delightinwhoeverwas
winning,groaningfromthosefoolishenoughnottobackDylan.

Jacemovedthroughthethrongtothering.Shiftersmovedasideforhim,most

withoutnoticingtheydidso.Instinct,Deniguessed—sensingthattheyshould
getoutofJace’swaybeforehemadeitanorder.

Alargemanstoodattheperimeterofthering,armsfolded,theSwordofthe

Guardianonhisback.Denialwaysfeltafrissonofdreadwhenshesawthe
sword,whosepurposewastobedriventhroughtheheartsofdeadordying
Shifters.Theswordpiercedtheheart,andtheShifterturnedtodust,hisorher
soulfollowingthepathwaytotheSummerland.

Theswordshimmeredalittleintheflickeringlight.OtherShiftersgavethe

Guardianawideberth,alsouncomfortablewithhim.KindofhardonSean,Deni
alwaysthought,butSeanhadbeenmuchlesshauntedsincehe’dtakenamate.

AhumanwomanstoodnexttoSean—nothismate.Shewasthescrappy

womanwho’dtiedherselftoRonan,aKodiakbear,whowasevennowinthe
ring,fightingDylan.Thewoman—Elizabeth—dancedontopofthecement
blocks,cheeringforRonanatthetopofherlungs.

SeanwouldbestandingassecondforDylan,hisfather.Asecond’sjobwasto

makesurethatnooneinterferedwiththefightandthattheothersidedidn’t
cheat.DylanandRonanwouldgoforafair,straightfight,butotherShifters
couldbecunning.Thesecondswerethereforareason.

Dylanwastheblack-manedlionsnarlinginthemiddleofthering,hispaws

movinglightningfastashebattledthebiggerbulkoftheKodiak.Ronanwas
fullyshiftedtobear,hisruffstandingup,hiseyesalightwithfightingfury.
Ronan’sCollarsparkeddeepintohisfur,butDylan’swasquiet.

“Unfairadvantage,”JacesaidintoDeni’sear.“Dylanknowshowtokeephis

Collarfromgoingoff.”

DenihadtoturnherheadandstandontiptoetoanswerintoJace’sear.His

handinherswaswarm,andsheleanedclose.“That’swhyheonlyfightsthe
strongest:Ronan,orSpike,who’sthechampion.SometimesDylanletshis
Collargooffonpurpose,tokeepthingsinteresting.”

“Butheusuallywinsanyway,”Jacefinished.
Hehadarumblingbaritonethattickledinsideherear,hishotbreathmaking

Denitingleevenmore.Shesqueezedhisfingersalittle,andwasrewardedwith
anansweringsqueeze.

Ronanroared.HisCollarwassparking,hismateyellingherencouragement,

butDenisawherworry.Thesematchesweren’ttothedeath,butShifterscould
bebadlyhurtinthem.

DenicouldscentandsenseElizabeth’sexcitementtingedwithfear.Shealso

caughtSean’stensenessashewatchedhisfatherbattle.Ifsomethingwent
wrong,ifoneoftheShifterswashurtsomuchtheGuardianwasneeded,Sean
wouldhavetoplungehisswordintotheheartofeitherhisfatherorhisclose
friend.

Denicaughthissorrow—Seanhadhadtosendoneofhisbrotherstodusta

dozenyearsago—whichlacedthroughthesorrowinherownheart.Deniwished
hercubswerehere,herboys,buttheywereworkingattheirjobsinthecity,
earningwhatlittlemoneyShifterswereallowedtoearn.

DylanbackedawayfromRonan’sonslaught,earsflatonhishead.Hedidn’t

roar—Dylan’sroarcouldshakeapartthetown—buthisgrowlsfilledthespace.

ThesoundcaughtinDeni’snerves,callingtotheferalinsideher.AllShifters

hadtheinstincttothrowoffanypolishofcivilization,toreverttotheirwild
forms,toreturntothetimewhenthey’dbeenbredtofightandhunt.Evenaftera
thousandandmoreyears,Shiftersretainedthesamebasicinstincts—fightorbe
killed,huntorbehunted.

Shiftershadcomeupwithstrictrulesmadetotametheirinnerbeasts.Tokeep

themselvesfromtearingeachotherapartafterthey’dfoughtfreeoftheirFae
masters,Shiftershadagreedtocertainritualsthatmustbeperformedinregardto
mating,fighting,andevendeath.Takethoseaway,andtheyweresimplyanimals
whocouldmakethemselveslookhuman.

Deni’smotorcycleaccidentlastyearhadrobbedheroftheveneerofcalm

Shiftersstrivedtolearn.ThewreckmusthavejarredsomethinglooseinDeni’s
brain,becauseshe’dbeenfightingherinstinctseversince,oftenlosing.
Knowingthebastardwho’drunherdownwasdeadhadhelpedherbegintoheal,
butshewasn’tthereyet.

Inthemidstofthegrowls,snarls,roars,andcheers,withthescentofblood

andsweatpouringfromthering,Deni’sthoughtsbegantotangle.Herscent

senseheightened,bringingintheexcitementoftheShifters,thebloodlustin
Dylan,thesinged-fursmellfromthesparkingCollars,thestrongmalescentof
JaceWardennexttoher.

SheprobablywouldhavebeenallrightwithJace’scalminghandinhers,if

thefightingShiftershadbeenanyoneelse,butDylanhadapowerfulShifter
presence.Beingalphadidn’tsimplymeanwinningfightsandscaringShifters
intosubmission.ItwasanindefinablesomethingabouttheShifter—scent,
timbreofvoice,subtlecompulsiontofollowthismale.Inanimalform,itwas
moreapparent,andDylanwasbroadcastinghisforceloudandclear.

Sincetheaccident,Denihadbeenabletouseheranimalsensesfullyinher

humanform.AllShiftersretainedsomeoftheirsuperiorsensesofhearing,
scenting,andtrackingabilitywhenhuman,buttheyweremuted,distant,ableto
bepushedasidesotheShiftercouldliveashumanwithoutgoingcrazy.

NotsoforDeni.Shehadtoconstantlyfightherselfnottoshift,attack,oreven

killwhenshewasconfused,afraid,orangry.Goingferalwastheterm.Her
Collartriedtoshocksenseintoher,butthatonlyresultedinmorepain,more
confusion,moreanger.

DenismelledDylan’sfightingblood,whichannouncedtoeveryonetherehe

wasfarstrongerandmeanerthanthegiantbearhebattled.Ronancontinued
swinginghisenormouspaws,landingblowsonthesmallerlion.Dylan’slithe
bodymovedandflowedwiththehitsthatwouldhavecrushedanyShifterwho’d
stoodstillandtakenthem.Dylan’slion’spawsmovedinaflurry,battingback
thebearwiththeswift,manicstrengthofacat.

Deni’swolfhowledtolife.Shewantedtoleapintothering,rushtoDylan’s

side,andhelphimfight.Hewasheralpha—he’dbeenleaderofallShiftersfora
longtimebeforeconcedinghispositiontohisson.RonanwaslesserthanDeni,
andhedaredtoconfrontDylan.NowRonanmustpay.

Deniclenchedherfreehandintoafist,jawsotightitached.Sheshouldn’tbe

here—sheshouldhavegonehomeandnotletthecompellingJacetalkherinto
watchingthebattle.Shenowwantedmorethananythingtobreakalltherulesof
thefightclubandrunintothering.Ronanwouldknockhersenselessbeforehe
couldstophimself,butherwolfdidn’tcare.Thebearneededtogodown.

Denistartedtogrowl,thesoundrisinginherthroat.HerCollarsnappeda

sparkintoher,butshedidn’tstop.Shecouldn’tstop.Andthatterrifiedhermost
ofall.

“Hey,”adeepvoiceinherearrumbled.“Holdittogether.”
Jace.Hiswarmthcoveredherside,hissterncommandreachingherinner

beastandstillingtheneedtoshift.Denirealizedherfingershadalreadychanged
towolfclaws,andfurranfromherheaddownherback,whichwasbaredbythe

sarong.

Jacedidn’tletgoofherhand,thoughshefeltherclawspiercehisskin.Heran

hisotherhand,warmandbroad-palmed,upanddownherback,whichreturned
tohumansmoothness.

“Wanttogo?”heaskedher.
Deninodded.Shecouldn’tseemuchanymore—thefiresandlanternsblurred

intoonewhirlinglight,theshoutsandgrowlsblendingintoamassofanimal
sound.

Jacetuggedheraway,againbecomingthelifelinethatdrewherthroughthe

crowd.Inthehowling,swirlingmadness,Jacewasaconstant,hiswarmth
pullingheronward.

Hetookherintotheparkinglot,turningherawayfromthelights.Oncethe

coolnightairtouchedher,darknesserasingthemaddeninglights,Denidrewa
longbreath.Herfurandclawsreceded,leavingheronherhumanfeet,shaking.

“Ishouldn’thavedonethat,”Jacewassayingastheythreadedtheirway

throughparkedvehicles.Sheheardhisvoicebutdidn’tpaymuchattentiontothe
words.“Ishouldn’thavetakenyouinthere.Ididn’trealizeitwasthatbad.”

“It’sbad,”Denisaid,nodding.Shewasn’tconcentratingonherwordseither.

“Ishouldhavestayedhometonight,butIneeded...”Sheshivered.“Idon’t
knowwhatIneeded.”

Nottrue.Denihadneededescape,life,nothidinginthedark.Hersonshad

gonetowork,Ellisonhadtakenhismate,Maria,outfordinnerandprobably
sex,andtherestofShiftertownhademptiedtoattendthefightclub.Sitathome
andmopeorgooutandbewithherfriendsandneighbors?She’dbeentiredof
moping,sohereshewas.

Deni’suncontrolledinstinctswerepunishinghernow.Jacehadknowntotake

heroutoftherebeforeshedidsomethingstupid,butthewildnessinherdidn’t
calm.Itneededrelease.

Deni’swolfneededtofight,tohunt,tokill.Robbedofthat,theshe-wolfin

herwantedthenearestthingtoit.

SheswungtoJace,hisscentfillingher,hisstrengthcallingtoher.Hewas

solid,strong,alpha,male,andhewasherewithherinthedark.Shecouldn’t
havestoppedherselfevenifshe’dwantedto.

DenislammedbothhandstoJace’schest.Hecaughtherwithastronggripbut

fellagainstthesideofapickup,carryingherbackwithhim.Hehadamusky
malescent,alittlewild,likethewoodsonamoonlitnight.Themoonwashigh
andfulltonight,alwaysirresistibletoawolf.

Jace’seyeswereunusual,jadegreen,thecolorheightenedbyhistannedface

andbrownblackhairhe’dbuzzedshort.Hewaslargetoo,butagileandathletic.

ChapterTwo

Jacefoundhimselfwithhisarmsfullofgorgeouswoman.Ahungrygorgeous
woman.Herkisspushedhimflatagainstthetruck,theridgesofitsdoordigging
intohisback.

Againsthisfront,hefeltnothingbutsoftwoman—breasts,hands,thighs.

Deni’smouthwasalloverhis,lipsseeking,tongueswipingintohismouth,
givinghimatasteofspiceandwildness.

Jacetoldhimselftopushheraway,buthecuppedherwaistandendedup

dragginghercloser.Anotherroarcamefromthearena,galvanizingher,winding
upJace’sheatinresponse.

Thesarongbaredmuchofherflesh—thegarmentclaspedatoneshoulderand

wrappedherhips,leavingDeni’sneck,arms,andmostofherbackbare.Her
warmskinwassilkenunderJace’sfingers,curveslush.Afull-bodiedShifter
woman.

Deniwastall,asShifterwomenwere,butJacewastaller.Hescoopedherinto

him,likinghowshefitagainsthim.Herbuttockswereahandful,herbreaststhe
bestcushions.

Heopenedhismouthtohers,welcominghergreedykisses.Shewashotinhis

arms,shesmelledgood,andherhairwassilkenagainsthisskin.

Itwasexcitinganderotic,pullingawomanhe’djustmetintohisarms,the

twoofthemwoundupfromthefighting,wantingtorelievethemselvesinthe
shadowswithfervent,hardsex.Herbodyrubbedhishard-on,tinglingraw
pleasurethroughhim.SomeShifterswerealreadyscratchingtheiritchestonight
inthisparkinglot,withhumansorotherShifters.Bythesoundsandscents,they
wereatitincarsorintheshadowsbeyond.Frantic,basiccoupling.

Denigropedforthebuttonofhisjeans,fingersslidingalongthezipper.Ina

fewseconds,she’dhavehishotcockinherhands,andhe’dbedonefor.

“Nothere,”Jacemanagedtosay.Hehadjustenoughpresenceofmindtonot

wanttobecaughtbangingEllisonRowe’ssisterupagainstthesideofaShifter’s
pickup.Afewstepsandthey’dbeindeepshadow,onhardTexasearth.

Deninodded,hereyesthelightgrayofherwolf.Jaceswungheroffherfeet

andranwithherbeyondthecircleoflight.

Hedidn’tbothertryingtofindasoftplacetoliedowninthedarkness.Jace

couldholdthebothofthemup—hewasplentystrong.Onetugofstringsandthe
sarongfell,baringhertohim.Jaceburiedhisnoseinherneckashenippedher
flesh.Helovedhowshesmelled.Feminine,strong,beautiful.

Denimanagedtogethisjeansopen.Jaceletthemslitherdownhislegs,then

hisunderwearfollowed.Heliftedher,cradlingherhips,andsheslidstraight
ontohim.

Hereyeswidened.Beautifulsilverwhiteeyes,moonlighteyes.Jacecaught

herheadwithonehand,lovingthefeelofherhairagainsthisfingers,andhe
kissedher.

Hot,amazingwomanwrappedaroundhim,ashungryashewas.Jacewas

deepinsideher,thepenetrationsatisfying,fillinghimupasmuchashefilled
her.

Denimoanedalittleagainsthismouth.Jacereleasedherfromthekiss,buthe

wantedtogoonkissingher,hermouthhot.Goddess,howluckywashethat
she’druntojoininhisfight?

Jacethrustwhatlittlehecould,liftingherwithhandsunderherbuttocksand

loweringherontohimagaininsmall,swiftjerks.Theywerebothmakingnoises
now,andnotbeingquiet.AnyonepassingwouldknowtwoShifterswerefinding
reliefouthereinthedark.

Thiswasraw,roughsex.Nofinesse,noromance.Justamanandawoman

doingwhattheGoddesshadmadethemtodo.Cometogether,join,mate,create.

“Jace.”
Denicriedhisname,thenherheadwentback,passionmakingherincoherent.

Jaceheldontoher,takingtheircombinedweightonhisplantedfeet,rockingto
seekmoreandmoreofher.

Hegatheredherhardagainsthim,feelinghisseedbuildinitsneedtoreach

her.ShifterswantedmorethananythingtomakemoreShifters,andJace’sbody
knewit.Instinct,desire,whateverhewantedtocallit.Ittookover,andhe
couldn’tfightit.

“Sonofabitch,”hewhisperedashisclimaxhithim,harderthananyhe’dhad

inhislife.Hefelthisseedgoandfelthertakeit,heardhisownshoutsdrowned
inhersandanother,finalvictoryroarfromthearena.

Jaceshuddered,whateverthehellhesaidlosttothenight.Deniclungtohim,

hergaspsofpleasurenotmuffled.Shehungontohimuntilthelastthrust,and
thenJacesimplyheldher,wonderingthathe’dfoundsomethingsobeautifulso
unexpectedly.

Hisbodywasstillcrazedwithneed.Hefelthiscockriseagain,notthatithad

deflatedmuch.

Oh,hellno.Jacewascrawlingwithheat,desirerampagingthroughhisbody.

Hethoughthe’dbesatedwithaquickcoupling—thatbothofthemwouldbe
sated.

ButtheShifterinhimhadotherideas.Mate.Take.Mine.“Sonofabitch,”he

whisperedagain.

Thiswasnotthetimeformatingfrenzy—thatbasicShifterneedtotakea

matesomeplacesafewheretheycouldscrewfordays.Anddays.Weeks,even
monthsifneedbe.Nottocomeoutuntiltheywerebothhalf-starvedand
exhausted,andthefemalewasplumpwithcubs.

Shifterscouldfollowtheirrituals,ceremonies,laws,protocol—whateverthey

calleditthiscentury—butthetruthwasthatthematingfrenzycouldstillgrab
thembytheballsatanytimeandnotletthemgo.

ThewomaninJace’sarmshadawakenedhisfrenzyasnootherfemalehad

before.Thiswascrazy.Jacehadonlyjustmether—hehadn’tknownhermore
thananhour.

Thematingfrenzydidn’tcare.
Witheffort,Jacemadehimselfloosenhisholdonher.Atleasthecouldgive

Denithechancetorun.

ThenIcanhunther,theleopardinhimsaidwithglee.Chaseher.Catchher.

Makehermine.

Hewassoscrewed.
Denigasped.Jacehadn’tbeenabletolookawayfromher,herlighthairand

faceapalesmudgeinthedarkness,butnowhereyeswereroundwithfearasshe
gazedoffatsomethingbehindhim.Jaceturnedhisheadtoseewhathadcaught
herworry,andhisownbreathconstricted.

Acrosstheflatplainbehindthearena,aboutamileawayJacewouldguess,

camelights.Flashinglights—redandblue—andthewhitepulsesofheadlights.
Atonofthem,sirensblaring,allheadingtowardthearena.

***

“Shit.”Jacesnarledandgrabbedathisjeans,zippingthemasDenigropedfor
herfallensarong.Shewrappedtheclotharoundherself,fasteningitquickly,her
heartpounding.

Humanpolicepouredtowardthem,racingfortheShifters’veryillegalfight

club.Notgood.Notgoodatall.

EvenasJacepulledonhisdenimjacketandstartedatarunforthearena,

Denifollowing,herbodythrummedwithelation.Forayearnow,she’dbeen
walkingaroundinahalf-awarestate,butatthismoment,inspiteofthe
imminentdanger,shewasalive.

Shewasalittleembarrassedshe’dgrabbedJacelikethat,barelyableto

controlhermatingurge,butdearGodandGoddess,he’dtakenherinastorm.
Deniwasn’tastrangertocasualsex—Shiftersoftenneededtoburnoffsteam—
butthisencounterwentbeyondinintensityanythingshe’dexperiencedbefore.

Denicouldn’tstopwatchingJace’slithebodyasheran,thegraceofhis

wildcatevidenteveninhishumanform.Hesmelledoftheroad,ofTexasdust,
ofhimself,andnowofwhatthey’ddonetogether.ThecombinationmadeDeni
wanttocatchhim,throwhimdown,andflingherselfontopofhim.Shewas
shameless,buthewasbeautiful,virile,andstrong,andDeniwantedhimwitha
mindlessnessthatunnervedher.Eventhestringoflightsandsirenscouldn’t
dampenherneed.

DenisprintedintothearenaalongsideJacetofindthatDylan’smatchhad

finished,thoughthenoisehadn’tmuchlessened.Ronanwassittingheavilyona
bench,humanagain,breathinghardandlookingrueful.Hismatewaswipinghis
nakedbodywithatowel,givinghimit’s-all-right-I-still-love-youcaresses.

Dylantookhistriumphinstride,butquietly,withoutgloating.Hismate,on

theotherhand,atallblondenamedGlory,watchedDylanadmiringly,hergaze
rovingDylan’shonedbody.Sheopenedhermouth,probablytoboastthather
matewasundefeatable,butJace’svoicecutoverthedin.

“Cops!”heboomed.“Coming.Now!”
TheShifterswho’dbeencelebrating,orgrumblingaboutRonan’sloss,came

alert.Shiftersstopped,jerkedaround,staredatJaceorgazedbeyondhim.
Stillness,silence,andanimalwarinesstookover,erasinganythinghumanabout
them.

ThenoneoftheShiftersyelled,“Gotoground!”andthearenaeruptedagain

intonoise.

“No!”Jacebellowedoverthemall.“Stop!”
ThepowerofhisvoicesentahushripplingacrosstheShiftersagain.Jacehad

thecompellingpresenceofaleader,Deninotedwithadmiration,theabilityto
makeothersstandstillandlisten,nomatterhowdirethesituation.

Jacehadhishandsup.“Ifwerun,theychase,”hesaid,hiswordscarrying

acrossthearena.“Theslowestwillbecaught.”

TheShifters’uneasedidn’tlessen,Denisaw,andthesmelloffearwashigh.

Theywantedtoflee,anddamntheconsequences.

“Thelad’sright,”Dylansaid.Inspiteofhisbruisedandabradedbody,he

stoodupright,hisblueeyeshot.“Noonegetstaken.Westand.”

“Thenweallgetarrested,”someoneelseshouted.
Noonemoved,though.Theywouldn’tignoreDylan.
“No,wewon’t,”Denisaid.Shesteppedupontooneofthecementblocks,

usingJace’sshouldertosteadyherself.“They’regoingtofindus—notimetoget
away.Butwecandecidewhattheyfind.Ihaveanidea.”

Inafewbriefsentences,Denioutlinedwhatshehadinmind.Thehumans

lookedbewildered,butShifterfacesbegantorelax,smilesstartingtotakethe
placeoffear.

“You’recunning,sweetheart,”Jacesaid.Hishandonherbackwaswarmas

heslantedheragrin.“Anythingyou’renotgoodat?”

Deniwenthotallover,herfaceflamingashiseyessparkled.Shewasn’tsure

whattheconsequenceswouldbeofhercrazedmatingintheparkinglotwith
Jace,butthelookhewasgivinghermadeherdecidethatlosingcontrolhadbeen
worthit.

“Youheardher,”Dylansaid.“Thisiswhatwedo.”
Shiftersbrokeoff,organizingthemselvesasonlyShifterscouldwhentheneed

wasuponthem.Thepolicecarsandlightscamenearer,sirenscuttingtheair.
Denistillsenseddeepfear,thehumansbarelycontainingit,theShiftersstriving
tosuppressit.

Thewavesofpaniccaughther,jarringDeni’salready-heightenednerves.The

wolfinhergrowled,wantingtoshift,toconfrontherenemiesandmakethem
run.Tochasethemifneedbeandbringthemdown.

Deniclenchedherhands,shuddering,abeadofsweatrunningdownherback.

Damnit.Ifshelostitnow,she’dcondemnthemall.

Acomfortingtouchwarmedhershoulder.“Easy,”Jacesaid,hisbreathinher

ear.

Hewasleaningclose,hisbodyheatwrappingaroundher,hisscentrelaxing

thetightnessinsideher.Deni’sfeareasedbeforeawashofreliefandalsodesire.
Jaceputhishandinhers,andsheleanedintohim,wantingtotwineherself
aroundhisbigbodyagain.

Seancametothem,swordonhisbackglinting,andtookDeni’sotherhandas

theShiftersformedcircles.“Smartidea,Deni.Icommendyou,”hesaid.Then
hisnostrilswidened,takinginherscentcombinedwithJace’s.Hisgaze
sharpenedasitmovedoverJace’smussedhairandDeni’shastilytiedsarong.
“Shite,”hesaidtoJace.“You’vebeeninAustin,what,twentyminutes,lad?You
didn’tevenstopforamealfirst.”

Deniwenthotagain,thoughshekeptherheadupunderSean’sscrutinyand

madeherselfmeethisgaze.

“Keepitdown,”Jacesaid.“Don’tembarrassthelady.”
“Onlyifyoucankeepitdown.”Seandidn’tburstintolaughter,buthisbig

smileshowedamusementenough.

“Shutup,bothofyou,”Denisaid,certainherfacemustbeburgundyred.

“They’rehere.”

Everylawenforcementagencyinthiscountymusthaveansweredwhatever

callhadreportedShiftersuphere.CarsandSUVssurroundedthearena,
floodlightsglaringoverthecirclesofShifters,gleamingineyes,glintingon
Collars.Policeinbulletproofvestsswarmedoutofthevehiclesandintothe
arena,carryingguns,chains,nets,andtranqrifles.They’dcomepreparedto
roundupallofthem.

Thecopsstoppedwhentheyfound,notShiftersfightinginprimitivefrenzy,

butShiftersandhumansstandinginquietcircles.Thelargestcircle,whereDeni
andJacestood,outlinedtheperimeterofthearenafloor,withconcentriccircles
insideit,smallerandsmallerastheynearedthemiddleofthearena.Thecircles
ofShiftersmovedslowly,eachoneinthedirectionoppositeoftheonebeforeit,
theShifterswalkinginaslow,shufflinggait.Thesmallestcircleringedaround
Dylan,Glory,andDylan’sgrandson,Connor,whostoodinfrontofatrashcan
fulloffire.

Shiftersheldhands—orhadtailswrappedaroundhands,iftheywerestillin

animalform—andchantedaprayertotheGoddessastheymoved.EachShifter
spokequietly,buttheminglingvoicesreverberatedtothestarrysky.

DeniclaspedJace’shandtightlyononeside,Sean’sontheother.Seanshould

technicallybeintheinnermostcirclewithhisfatherandnephew,buthe’d
stoppedtomakesureDeniwasallrightandhadn’thadtimetoreachit.

Seanhadhisgazeontheinnercircleandhisfather,butJacelookedatthe

ground,hisshouldershunching.Theposturemadehimappearsmallerthanhe
was,lesschallenging,justanotherShifterinthebunch.Deniunderstoodwhy.
Jacewasn’tsupposedtobeinTexasatall.Ifthehumanpolicediscoveredhe
wasfromtheLasVegasShiftertown,herewithoutofficialpermission,he’dbe
arrested,andthingscouldonlygodownhillfromthere.

Shiftersweren’tallowedtoleavethestateswheretheirShiftertownswere

locatedwithoutspecialpermits,andJacedidn’thaveone.Deniknewthat
withoutasking—permissionwasdifficulttoobtainandtookforever.Jacehad
beencomingandgoingfromtheAustinShiftertownwhenhepleasedforthelast
yearorso,toworkwithDylanandLiamontheCollars.ShifterslikeJacehad
figuredouthowtogowheretheywantedwhenevertheywanted,buthumans
didn’tneedtoknowthat.IfoneofthecopsrealizedthatJacewasn’tfromaround
here...

DenimovedherbodysobothsheandSeanshieldedJacefromthecopswho

stoppedclosesttothem.

Thepolicehadhaltedinuncertainty,buttheykepttheirweaponstrainedon

theShifters,tranqgunsattheready.Thetwocopsincharge,amananda
woman,pushedtheirwaythroughthecirclesofShiftersuntiltheyreached
Dylaninthecenter.

“Tellmewhatthehellisgoingonhere,”themansaid,hispistoltrainedon

Dylan.

Dylangavehimacoldlook.“AShifterreligiousceremony.”Hiswordscame

clearly,andtheShiftersstoppingchantingandfellsilent.“Whatdoesitlook
like?”

“Whatkindofreligiousceremony?”themalecopasked,notimpressed.

“Explainittome.”

“It’sprivate.”Dylan’svoiceheldanedge.
“Keepittogether,Dad,”SeanwhisperednexttoDeni.HisgazewasonDylan,

asthoughhecouldwillhisfathertostaycalm.

“Icanarresteveryone,”thecopsaidtoDylan.“Andquestioneachandevery

oneofyou.Ihavethemanpowerandthetime.OrIcanarrestyoubyyourself,
Morrissey.Yourchoice.”

Connorspokeup,hisvoiceshrillandsoundingafewyearsyoungerthanhe

was.“It’samemorialceremony.Formydad.”

Afewofthecopsmoveduneasily,butmostofthemwentmorerigid.
“Who’syourdad?”themalecopasked.
Dylananswered,“KennyMorrissey.Myson.Hediedtwelveyearsago.We’re

rememberinghimtonight.”

“Rememberinghimhow?”
Dylanshrugged,keepinghisvoicesteady.“Prayers,thecircledance.We

usuallyburnphotosorothermementoes.”Hegesturedattheflamesinthe
trashcannexttothem.“Kennywaswellliked,andhisbrotherisnowthe
Shiftertownleader.Everyonewantedtocome.”

“Whataboutfights?”thecopasked.“BoutsbetweenhumansandShifters?”
Dylanscowled.“Idon’tknowwhatshitpeoplehavebeentellingyou,but

Shifterreligiousceremoniesarepeaceful.”Thatwasabsolutetruth.“Noviolence
inanyofthem.”

“NotwhatIheard,”thecopsaid.“Cuffhim,”hetoldthefemalecopbeside

him.

ConnorstartedforwardinanguishbutbothDylanandGlorysteppedinhis

way.“It’sallright,lad,”Dylansaid.Hegavethetwocopsanod.“Youdon’t
havetocuffme.I’mhappytocomewithyouandexplaineverything.Ibet

someonetoldyouabunchofShiftershadgatheredhere,anditmadeyour
higher-upsnervous.”

“Somethinglikethat,”thecopsaid,histonestillsharp.
Thewomanmovedforwardwiththecuffs.Dylangaveheraresignedlook

andheldouthishands.“IfIcomewithyou,theothersgohome.”

“Youdon’thaveachoice,”themalecopsaid.“But,sure,theotherscango

home.Infact,theyneedtogo,now.Myofficerswillescortthemout.IfIlike
whatyousaydowntown,thentheycanstayhome.”

SeanreleasedDeni’shand.“I’dbettergowiththem,”hesaidinalowvoice.

“Dadcanscaretheshiteoutofpeoplejustbylookingatthem.I’mmore
diplomatic.”Hesaiditwithoutboasting.“Ronan,”hecalled.“MakesureConnor
andGlorygethomeallright.”

“Yougotit,Sean,”Ronansaid.
“Ridewithme,”JacewhisperedtoDeniasSeanwalkedawayandtheShifters

andhumansbegantodisperse.Thecopsstartedherdingeveryoneouttothe
parkinglot,Shiftersgrowlingandrumblinginannoyance,butnotarguing,their
humanfriendswalkingalongquietly.

“IcamewithRonanandElizabeth,”Denisaidnervously.SheknewJacehad

riddeninonamotorcycle—she’dhearditwhenhe’dpulledup.

“IneedtopretendIdidn’tcomealone.RonanandElizabethwillunderstand.”
DeniknewJacewastryingtomakehimselflookasthoughhebelongedinthis

Shiftertown.IfhewentoffwithDeni,asthoughpartofthecommunity,hemight
escapescrutiny.ButthatmeantDeniwouldhavetoclimbontothebackofa
motorcycle.

“Whathappenedtoyou?”anothercopaskedbeforeDenicouldanswerJace.
Denistoppedshort,butthemanwasn’ttalkingtoher.Hewaslookingbehind

them,atRonan,histranqriflepointedatthebigman.

Ronandidlookbad,hisarmscutandbruised,oneeyeswollen.He’dskimmed

onclotheswhilethecopswereclosingin,andElizabethnowhadherarmfirmly
aroundhim.“I’mabouncer,”Ronansaid.“Atabar.Humansliketothrow
punchesatme.”Heshrugged.“Iletthem.”

Thecopgavehimalookofsuspicion,buthedidn’tpursueit.Insteadhe

steppedinfrontofJaceandgavehimabelligerentscowl.“Whataboutyou?You
lethumanstakepunchesatyoutoo?”

Jace’sface,neck,andtorso,baredbyhisopenjacket,borebruisesfromhis

fightwithBroderick.Denirealizedsomethingshehadn’tearlier—afewofthe
marksonJace’sneckwerefromherfingers,somefromherteeth.Sheflushed.

Jacegavethecopalazysmilewithoutliftinghisheadalltheway.Hedraped

hisarmaroundDeniandpressedakisstoherhair.“Religiousceremoniescanbe

boring,”hesaid,hisvoiceslightlyslurred.“Foundsomethingbettertodofora
while.”

Thecopgotaknowinglook,andDeniblushedharder.Well,Jacewasn’t

lying.Whatthey’ddoneinthedarknesshadbeenswift,hot,andglorious,not
boringatall.

“Yeah,well,keepitathome,”thecopsaid.
“Loveto.”Jacekeptuphiscarelessslouch,leaningonDeni,hisarmaround

her.

Thecop,fortunately,leftthemalone,lookingaroundforotherstoharass.
“You’llhavetodrive,”Jacesaidwhentheyreachedthebike.Denithoughtshe

recognizeditasbelongingtoLiam,whomusthavelentittoJace.“Iactedalittle
drunksohe’dleaveusalone,butifhe’swatching,Idon’twanttogivehiman
excusetostopmeforDUI.”Hegaveheragrinanddangledthekeysinfrontof
her.“Sotonightyou’remydesignateddriver.”

ChapterThree

DenilookedatthekeysJacepressedintoherhand,andblindpanicwashed
throughher.“Ican’t.”Shecouldn’tdrawabreath.“Jace,I’msorry.Ican’t.”

“Can’t?”Jacefrowneddownather,hisexpressionamixtureofcompassion,

curiosity,andtheneedtohurry.“Why?Neverdrivenamotorcyclebefore?”

“Ihave.Iownone.Or,Idid.It’sjust...”Deni’sbodywascold,fearpumping

throughher.“Iwasinawreckonmymotorcycle,”shesaidinarush.“Aman
ranmeofftheroadlastyear,onpurpose.Iwasbadlyhurt—tookmealongtime
torecover.Ihaven’tbeenabletorideamotorcyclesincethen.PlusIhave...
episodes.Idon’tknowwhatI’mdoingforstretchesoftime—I’veevenattacked
myownfamily.Istarttogoferal.Liketonight,whenIfought,andwhenwe—”

“Hey,”Jaceinterruptedherhurriedflowofwords,hisvoicewarminthe

darkness.“Stop.It’sallright.”

“It’snotallright.It’salongwayfromallright.”Denidrewashuddering

breath.“Ihaven’tbeenabletosomuchasgetonamotorcycle,noteventoride
withsomeoneelse.Ipanic—Ican’tdoit.Sorry,Ishouldhavetoldyou.”

“Yeah,well,wedidn’tgetmuchchancetotalk,didwe?”Jace’seyesglinted,

theteasinglightinthemmakingherbothembarrassedandrelieved.

Shehandedthekeysouttohim.“Thanksforunderstanding.”
Jacedidn’ttakethem.“Imean,Igetthatthisishardforyou,Den,butyou’re

stillgoingtohavetodrivethebike.Sorry,sweetheart,Ican’triskgetting
stoppedorarrested,orevenquestioned.IftheyfindoutwhoIam,thingscould
getbad.Notonlyforme,butmyfather,Liam,Dylan—maybeallShifters.”He
slowedhiswords,asthoughsensingDeni’sfearescalateagain.“You’llbeall
right.I’llbewithyou.”

Thekeyswereheavyinherhand.“Oh,right.SoIwon’tblackoutandcrash

us,becauseyou’llbeontheseatbehindme?”

“Somethinglikethat.”Jacebrushedhishandoverherarm,hisfingersblunt

andwarm.

Deni’sfearwastoorawtobeeasilycalmed,butshewasgratefultohimfor

trying.Sheknewshehadtogetonthedamnedbikeandtakethemoutofthere—

hewasrightaboutthat—butshecouldn’tmakeherfeetmove.

Oneofthecopswaslookingtheirway.Themanwaitedabeatortwo,then

startedforthem.

JacegaveDeniasmallshovetowardthemotorcycle.“We’vegottogo.”

Anotherpush,movingheranotherstep.“Onlyforafewmiles.Oncewe’reoff
theirradar,wecanswitch.”

“Ican’trideinthis.”Denigesturedtoherself,thefabricwrappedaroundher

body.Shehad,infact,riddeninasarongbefore,butthewindwouldbecoldand
chafing.Maybehe’dtakepityonherandfindsomeoneelsetotakehimto
Shiftertown.

Jaceslidoutofhisdenimjacketanddrapeditaroundhershoulders.Thatleft

historsobare,buthedidn’tseemthemorevulnerableforit.“Youcanwear
this.”

Thejacketheldhisbodyheatandhisscent.Deniclosedhereyes.Shelooked

forsomethingpeacefulinsideherself,aplacesheusedtobeabletofind.Jace
wouldbewithher.He’dmakesuretheyreachedShiftertown.Shewilledherself
tobelieve.

“Now,”Jacesaidinherear.
Denijumped,buthisvoicegalvanizedher.Shetookadeepbreathandstarted

toswingherlegoverthebike.

Itgotstuckhalfway.Deni’sheartthumped—hurry,hurry—butshecouldn’t

makeherleggoovertheseat.Sheclenchedhermuscles,willingherbodyto
obey,butshewasshaking,herbreathleavingher.

Jaceswarmedontothebikebehindher,shovingherlegallthewayoverwith

his.There,shewason,withJacewrappinghiswarm,barearmsaroundher.

Themotorcyclewasbig—Liam,whoownedit,wasabigman—butShifter

womenweretall.Denicouldrideit.

Denitrembledalloverasshestartedthebike,herbodybrushingbackagainst

thesolidwarmthofJace’s.Themotorcyclerumbledbeneaththem,thedeep
throbofawell-tunedHarley,whichleteveryvehiclenearitknowwhata
powerhouseitwas.

Jacetightenedhisarmsaroundher,pretendingtohavetoclinghardbecause

hewasdrunk,butheturnedtheholdintoasteadyingone.Denirelaxedalittle,
enoughtoglidethebikeforward,liftingherfeetsmoothlyastheywent.

Thenarrowroadbacktothehighwaywasdark,rutted,andunnerving.The

headlightslicedthroughblackness,theTexasnightvast.Farahead,tinylights
markedwhereotherShiftersweredrivingaway.

Denistartedtocalmevenmore.Herbodyinstinctivelyknewhowtobalance

thebike,howtoguidethebigmachine,evenwhentheroadwasrough.Her

paniclessened,butthen,outhere,therewerenoothercars,nocitystreets,no
humansrunningtheirvehiclesintoShiftersandruiningtheirlives.

Jace’sarmsaroundDeni,hiswarmbodyatherback,remindedheroftheir

wildcoupling,beautifulforallitsbrutality.Jacehadatall,strongbody,oneDeni
wouldbewillingtoclimbagain.Andagain.DeniwishedsheandJacecouldbe
trulyalone,racingdowntheroad,nothingontheirmindsbutthewind,stars,and
whatthey’ddotogetheratthejourney’send.

Theyreachedthehighway,thetrafficsparse.Deniswungthebiketotheright,

headingforthelightsofcivilization.Austinglowedonthehorizon,thecity
beckoning.

DenihadgrowntoloveAustinanditsquirkiness—themusic,SixthStreeton

aSaturdaynight,barsthatrangedfromupscaletoshabbyhonky-tonks,thebats
emergingeverysunsetfromtheCongressAvenueBridge,thetown’ssenseof
beingdifferentfromeveryplaceelseintheworld,evenfromtherestofTexas.
Denihadfoundsomethinglikehappinesssettlinghere,withherbrother,Ellison,
andhersons,WillandJackson.Notthegreatestexistence,livinginShiftertown,
butatleasttheyweretogether.

Andthenthebastardhuman,who’dbeeninvolvedinsomenastybusiness

regardingShiftersthatEllisonandDenihadhelpedclearup,haddeliberatelyrun
downDenionhermotorcycle,robbingherofcontrolandanysenseof
tranquility.Tonight,couplingwithJaceandnowhavinghimholdontoherwas
theclosestshe’dcometofindingpeaceagain.

Deniturnedontothe183andheadednorth.ShewassureJacewouldtellher

topulloveranyminutesohecouldtakeoverthedriving,buthedidn’t.Jacekept
hisarmsaroundher,hisbodyleaningwithhersasshemadetheturnandjoined
traffic.

Denistartedtoshakeagainastrafficthickened,carsandtruckssurgingaround

themtoheadforAustinfrompointseastofSanAntonio.Jace’swarmhands
movedonDeni’sbelly,asthoughheknewsheneededhisreassuringtouch.Deni
feltalittlebetter,butwhentheyreachedLockhart,shepulledofftoagasstation.

“Youcantakeovernow,”shesaid,slidingoffthehelmet.
Jacedidn’tdismount.“You’redoingfine.Keepgoing.”
“Jace,comeon.I’mscared.Thewreckreallymessedmeup.Theguywhodid

itwastryingtograbme—hewaskidnappingShifters.”

Jace’seyesnarrowed.“Iheardabouthim.Hedidn’tgetyouthough,right?”
“Onlybecausethereweretoomanyotherpeoplearound.Henearlykilled

me.”

“Buthe’sdeadnow.”Jacespokewithconviction.Dylanmusthavetoldhim

someofthatstory.

“Yes.”Deniswallowed,hermouthdry.ShewonderedifDylanhadtoldJace

exactlyhowthemanhaddied,andDeni’spartinit.“MymindknowsthatI’m
safe,butmyinstinctsdon’t.Thewolfinsidemehasn’tfullyprocessedityet,I
guess.”

Jacekeptfrowning.“Iseethat.ButI’mrightherewithyou.Showyourself

youcandoit.Don’tlethimwin.”

Deniwantedto—shetrulydid.Herbrotherhadgivenhersimilaradvice:

Don’tlettheassholetakeeverythingawayfromyou.

Wisewords,butstill,itwashard.“WhatifIblackout?”
Jaceshotheragrin.“I’llwakeyouup.”
“Jace,Ican’t.”
“You’rewrong.Youcan.”
Denigraspedthehandlebars.Sheusedtolovetoride,sheandEllisongoing

alloutonthebackroads,sidebyside,racing.Shemissedit.

ShegaveJaceachallenginglook.“WhatifIgetoffrighthereandrefuseto

ride?”

Jaceshrugged.“ThenItakethebikebacktoLiamandsendyouacab.Oryou

canshifttowolfandgocross-country.”

“Oh,thanks.”
Thegrinreturned.“Or,youcandrive.”
Hewasashithead.Asexyone.Damnit.
EverythinginDeniwantedtodothis.Waitingatthisgasstationforacab

certainlydidn’tappealtoher,especiallynotwiththefewgoodoldboysstarting
toeyethem.HumansandShiftersweren’tsupposedtotangle,butoutinfarm
andranchcountry,inthemiddleofthenight,rulesdidn’talwaysstopanyone.

Denislappedthehelmetbackonherhead.Sherevvedthebikeandpulledout

ofthegasstation,openinguptheengineonceshegotoutoftowntomakeit
throb.

Windrushedpasther,thebikerumbledunderher,andJace,hard-bodiedand

hot,hungontoher.Denistillfelttheacheoftheirroughlovemaking,andknew
shecarriedhisseedinsideher.Whatwouldhappenifthatseedtookroot?The
thoughtofhavinganothercubfrightenedheralmostasmuchasridingdid,butit
elatedheratthesametime.

Deninavigatedthemontothe130thenoffwhenthe183splitfromitagain,

andkeptonstraightnorthforAustin.Shewassweatingbythetimetheyhit
Austinproper,Jace’sjacketcuttingthebracingwind.Theincreasingtraffic
madeherpanicriseoncemore,butJacewasthere,caressingher,histouch
calming.

ExcitementhitDeniwhensherolledintothemostlydesertedstreetsaround

ShiftertownandpulledthemotorcycleupbehindthebarLiammanaged.She
swungoffthebikeafterJacedismounted,andyankedoffherhelmet.

“Ididit.Goddess,Jace—Ididit!”
“Yeah,youdid.”Jaceswepthisarmsaroundherandpulledheragainsthim.

“Youweregreat.Andyoudidn’tevenpassout.”

Deniwastoobuoyedtorespondtotheremark.Shegavehimahardkisson

themouth,lovingthetasteofhim.Herexcitementincreased,herneedforhim
notslaked.Jacedidn’tdiscourageher.Hiskissturnedhard,hishandsonher
backstrong.

Denimadeherselfeaseawayfromhim,thoughheremainedholdinghera

moment,hiseyesdarkgreeninthemoonlight.Shakingalittle,Denistepped
back,slidhisjacketoff,andhandeditbacktohim,thoughitwasashameto
watchhimcoverhimself.

Jaceshruggedthejacketonthentookabackpackfromoneofthesaddlebags

andslungitoverhisshoulder.HeputhisarmaroundDeni.“Comeinandhavea
beerwithme?”

ThiswasDeni’schancetotellhimsheneededtogohome,towaitforhersons

togetinfromwork,herbrotherandhismatetoreturnfromtheirdate.Togo
backtowatchingeveryoneelselive,whileshesatinthecornerandtriedtostay
sane.

Tohellwiththat.Denisquaredhershoulders,slidherhandthroughJace’s

offeredarm,andwalkedinwithhimthroughthebackdoor.

Theyemergedintotheloudbar,halffullofShifters.AtallShiftercoveredin

tattsspiedthemandsteppedinfrontofJace.

“Liamwantstoseeyou,”hesaidwithhischaracteristicbrevity,thenturned

aroundandwalkedaway.

“That’sSpike,”Denisaid.“Manoffewwords.”
“I’vemethim.”JacetookDeni’shandandledherthroughthecrowd,making

hiswaytotheblack-hairedIrishmanleaningonthebar.Hewasn’ttendingit—
Shiftersweren’tallowedtoservealcohol.Ahumanbarmandidthat.

LiamMorrisseyturnedastheyapproached,asthoughsensingthemcome,

whichheprobablyhad.Hewouldn’thavebeenabletohearthemoverthe
jukebox,orsmellthemovertheodorsofsmoke,alcohol,sweatyhumans,and
Shifterswho’dalsojustreturnedfromthefightclub.ButLiamhadtheuncanny
knackofknowingwhereeveryonewasatalltimes.Liamwastall,likehis
brother,Sean,andhadthesameintenseblueeyes.ThoseeyestookinJace,then
Deni,thenLiamleanedforwardandpulledJaceintoaShifterwelcoming
embrace.

JacedroppedhisbackpackonabarstoolandletLiamenfoldhim.Becausethe

twohadmetbeforeandlikedeachother,thehugwasmorecordialandlesswary
thanmanyalphamaleexchanges.Noveiledhintthateachwouldripoutthe
other’sthroatiftheyhadhalfachance.Justfriendshipandcamaraderie,arms
tighteningoneachother’sbacks.

LiamreleasedJace,turnedtoDeni,andpulledherintohisarmsaswell.This

hugwasmorereassuring,theShiftertownleadertryingtocalmoneofhisown.
“Welldone,”Liamsaidquietlyintoherear,andDeniwarmedwithpleasure.

LiamreleasedDeniandfoundJacerightnexttohim.Rightnexttohim,asin

slapupagainsthim.Jace’seyeshadtightened,andhepinnedLiamwitha
warningstare.

LiamreachedpastJaceforahalf-filledbottleofbeerhe’dleftonthebarand

helditwithoutdrinking.“SpikeandRonantoldmewhathappenedoutthere
withthecops.”HegaveDeniagrin.“Iseeyoutwoalreadycelebrated.”

AsshehadunderSean’sscrutiny,Deniflushed,butJacelookedunworried.

“HaveyouheardanythingfromDylan?”Jaceaskedhim.

Liamlosthissmile.“TheytookDaddowntown.Mymateiswithhim,andso

isSean.Theytoldmenottocome.”Henodded,asthoughheagreed.“Kim
knowswhatshe’sdoing.”

Liam’smatewasadefenselawyerwhonowspecializedindefendingShifters.

Liamwasrightthatshewasplentycompetent,andDylanandSeanweregoodat
keepinghumanattentionawayfromShifters.DenisawthetightnessinLiam,
however,sensedhisneedtoracetothepolicestationanduseanymeans
necessarytoextracthisfather.

“Didthepolicetalktoyou?”Jaceaskedhim.
“Aye,theydid.Camerushinginhere,demandingtoknowaboutthisfight

clubthey’dheardabout.Ofcourse,Iknewnothing,didI?”Liam,asleader,had
decidedtolooktheotherwayaboutthefightclub,whichwentagainstShifter
lawsaswellashuman.Thoughthefightclubshadrules,theyweredangerous,
butLiamhadacknowledgedlongagothathecouldn’tpreventthem.“A
detectiveandhalfadozenuniformscameinherethesametimethearenawas
beingraided,orIwouldhavewarnedmydadandSean.”Denisawtheoutrage
inhiseyesthathe’dbeenblindsided.

“Well,theyfounditsomehow,”Jacesaid.“Youhavealeak.Justtoreassure

you—itisn’tme.”

“Didn’tthinkitwas,lad.”
IfLiamhadthoughtJacewastheonewho’dbetrayedthewhereaboutsofthe

fightclub,Jacewouldn’tbestandingherespeakingcalmlytoLiam.He’dhave
beenstoppedatthedoor,andLiamwouldnowbedisembowelinghiminthe
parkinglot.

“Dowelielow?”Jaceasked.
Liamansweredwithonequickshakeofhisheadbutnowords.Notall

ShifterswereprivytotheworkLiamandhisfamilyweredoingontheCollars.
Needtoknowonly.MostShiftersweretrustworthy,butastonighthadproved,
leakshappened.

LiamlookedatDeniagainandstartedtosmile.“Amemorialservice.Good

thinking,lass.”Hechuckled.

“ItwasthefirstlogicalthingIcouldthinkof,”Denisaid.“I’msorryIused

yourfamily’sgriefasadistraction.”

Liamshookhishead,hiseyesbrightwithmirth.“Kennywouldhavelaughed

hisballsoff.Healwayslovedagoodjoke,didKenny.”

Liamwasgrinning,butDenisawthemoistureinhiseyes,hissorrowforhis

deadbrotherneverfaraway.

“Thenwe’llmeetasappointed,”Jacebrokein.“Unlessyouwavemeoff.”
“Aye,getsomerest.”Liam’samusementreturnedasheturnedtoDeniagain.

“Rest,mind.Lookslikeyouneedit.”Hegaveheraquietnod.“LikeIsaid,well
done,lass.”

“Leader’spet,”JacewhisperedinDeni’searasheguidedherthroughthe

crowdedbar,hishandonthesmallofherback.Hislaughdidwarmthingsto
her.“Let’sgetyouhome.”

***

WalkingDenihomewasdelayedwhenBroderickcameintothebar,followedby
Shifterslookingenoughlikehimtobehisbrothers.JacefeltDeni’srageand
worryincrease,herbodyvibratingunderhishand.

“Wedon’tlikeoutsiders,”oneofBroderick’sbrotherssaid,steppinginfront

ofJace.“Don’tlikethemcominginandtakingourwomen.”

DeniwasaroundJacebeforehesawhermove.“Suckonit,”Denisaid.“I

thoughtIwastoocrazyforyouall,anyway.”

Broderickshowedhisteethinasmile.“She’sgotgoodreflexes,fora

nutcase.”

JacepulledDenibackbehindhimandmovedtoBroderick,theclearleaderof

thisbunch.“Keepyourshittoyourselfandyourbrothersquiet,”hesaid,“orI’ll
wipethefloorwithyourass.Again.”

BroderickglancedaroundJacetoDeni,andhiseyeswidenedasherealized

whatotherShiftershadbeenallnight—thatJaceandDenihadgottentoknow

eachotherinthedarkoutatthefightclub.Broderickliftedhishands.“Hey,if
you’rethatfrenziedbyher,youtakeher.You’llbedoingusallafavor.Hope
youcankeepherundercontrol.”

JacehadBroderickbythethroatbeforeBroderickcouldblink.Jacesurprised

evenhimselfwiththemove,andhisspeed.“WhatdidIjusttellyou?”

JacewasawareofShiftersturning,watching,stilling.Themusicpumpedon,

aloudcountrysong,buttheShiftersstoppeddancing,talking,anddrinkingto
watch.

Broderick’sbrotherwasrightaboutonething—Jacewasanoutsider.Hewas

adominantandsanctionedbyDylanandLiam,butthatwouldn’tmatterifthe
entireShiftercommunitydidn’twanthim.Apack,enmasse,couldkillanalpha
andnotcare.

HefeltDenibehindhim—closebehindhim—pressedagainsthisback,but

shewasn’ttryingtosoothehimoutofhisrageorstophim.Jacesensedher
excitement,heruncontrolledneedtofight.Ifhefolloweduphisthreaton
Broderick,Deniwouldberightbesidehim,battlingitoutwithhim.Thethought
madehimwarm,gavehimstrength.

Liamwasstillatthebar,watching.Doingnothing.HewantedtoseehowJace

wouldhandlethis.

LettingBroderickgowoulddecreaseJace’sstandinginthisShiftertown.Not

lettinghimgomightgethimkilled.

AverylargehandlandedonJace’sshoulder,anotheronBroderick’s.Jacegot

awhiffofanannoyedKodiakbearShifterwhohadn’tshoweredsincehisarena
fight.

“Takeitoutofthebar,boys,”Ronansaid.“Betteridea—Broderick,youstay

hereandgetrat-faceddrunklikeyoudoeverynight,andyou...”HegaveJace
theslightestshake.“Yougoandsleepitoff.You’resupposedtobeholingupat
Dylan’shouse,buthe’sofftryingtostayoutofjail.TakeDenihome,andcrash
onEllison’scouch.”

Ronan,asbouncer,wasbreakingtheimpasse.Smart.Ronan’sinterventionlet

Jacesaveface,andBroderickdidn’tgethisasshandedtohim.Jacehadnodoubt
thatLiamhadsignaledRonansomehow,butLiamstillwatchedasthoughonly
mildlyinterested.

JaceeasedthepressureofhisfingersaroundBroderick’sthroat.Broderick’s

Collarsparkedonce,jumpingelectricityintoJace’shand,butJacedidn’tjerk
away.Heopenedhisfingersslowlyandloweredhisarm.Broderickremained
wherehewas,notsteppingbackorrubbinghisneck,whichwasimprintedwith
Jace’sfingermarks.

Jacedeliberatelyturnedawayfromhim.“Goodidea,”JacesaidtoRonan.“By

theway,youfoughtagoodfightoutthere.”

Ronangavehimabriefnodofthanks,buthemovedhimselfsolidlybetween

JaceandBroderick.Iftheydecidedtogoforeachotheragain,they’dhavetodo
itaroundthewallofRonan.JacemightoutrankRonanindominance,butthere
wasnodisputingthatRonanwashuge.

Jacetookastepback,showinghewouldn’tpushit,andheldhishandoutto

Deni.

HesensedDeni’sreliefasshetookhishand,butalsoherdisappointmentthat

anotherfightwithBroderickwouldn’tensue.ShesaidnothingtoJace,onlygave
Broderickafinalglare,andthenJaceledDenitothedoorandoutintothenight.

Denistartedwalkingswiftlyoncetheyleftthebar,movingfasterandfaster,

untilshewasnearlydraggingJaceacrosstheemptylotandtowardthestreetsof
Shiftertown.Inthemiddleofthedusty,weed-chokedfield,Jacepulledhertoa
halt.

“Holdup,”hesaid.“Tellmesomething—whatthehellwasthat?”
Deni’sgrayeyesgleamedinthedarkness.“Whatthehellwaswhat?”
“You.”Jacepointedhisfingeratherface.“Eggingmeoninthere.NotBe

careful,Jace,youdon’twanttogetyourselfintotrouble.Morelike,Goon,Jace.
Kickhisass!Youwantedtoseemegettakendownbythatwholebar,didyou?”

“No.”Deniclenchedherhands,asthoughresistingtheurgetonibbletheend

ofhisfinger.“Broderickjustpissesmeoff.Andyouwouldn’thavebeentaken
downbythewholebar.Isawyoufight—they’dhavebackedoff.”

“Wereyouthisbloodthirstybeforeyouraccident?”
Denihesitated,herchestrisingwithherbreath.“Idon’tknow.”
Jaceputhishandsonherarms,whichwerecold.Thenightwascooling,and

herflesh,baredbythesarong,roseingoosebumps.“Yousaidfightingmakes
youwanttofight,”hesaid.“Butweweren’tfightinginthere.Notyet.”

“Butyouwantedto.”DenirestedherfingersonJace’sforearms.“Isensed

thatloudandclear.YouwerereadytoripoutBroderick’sthroat.Icantakehis
crap,butyoucouldn’t.Areyoualwaysthisbloodthirsty?”

Notuntiltoday.Hemadehimselfgrin.“EveryoneathomethinksI’m

reasonableandapeacemaker.”GoodoldJace.He’llcalmeveryonedown.

“Yeah?NotsureI’dwanttomeetyourfamily,then.”
“Youwould.You’dlikemydad,andhismate.”Herubbedherarms.“Too

coldouthere.Let’sgetyouhome.”

Denishivered,asthoughrealizinghowlightlydressedshewas.“Fine.Though

I’mnotsureaboutyousleepingonthecouch.Liammighthaveroomathis
house.OrSpikemight.”

Shestartedtoturnaway.Jacethoughtaboutfindingspaceinadarkhousethat

ChapterFour

Theirmouthsmetinafrenzy.DeniclungtoJace,herbreathhotonhislips,her
kisseswild,hungry.

Jacewrappedhisarmsaroundher.Thiswoman,thisdeliciousfemale,was

awakeningsomethinghe’dneverfeltbefore—need,primalandintense,which
allShifterspossessed,butwhichJacehadonlyexperienceddimlybeforethis.
EventhehormonalcrazinessofhisTransitiontoadulthoodhadn’tspikedthe
intensedesirethroughhimthatkissingDenidid.

Asherstronghandspulledhimdowntoher,Jacerealizedsheneededhimin

return.Neededhim,Jacetheman,notJacetheShifterleader’sson—shehadn’t
knownwhohewaswhenthey’dmet.Nothinginherbehavior,herscent,her
voicehadtoldhimshecaredwherehewasinthefoodchain.

Sheroseontiptoes,runningfingersthroughhisshorthair,kissinghimas

thoughshecouldn’tgetenough.Jacefelthisfrenzyreply—need,mate,don’tlet
go.

Denipushedawayfromhimwithasuddennessthatrobbedhimofbreath.

Coldairfilledinwhereshe’dbeen,andJacefeltsuddenlyempty.

Deniwasstaringupathim,herchestrisingwithheragitation.“Sorry.Ican’t

control—”

Jace’sreturningbreathhurthim.“It’snotcontrolI’mlookingfor.”
“Iam.”
Becauseofheraccident,shemeant,herfearitwasmakinghergoferal.“Iget

that,”Jacesaid.Heclaspedherelbows.“Butthat’sover,Deni.Yousurvived.I
won’tletyouloseitwhenyou’rewithme—Ipromise.”

Sheshuddered.“Ijustwish—”
“Wishwhat?”Jacedrewhercloseragain,runninghishandsupherarmsto

cuphershoulders.“Tellmewhatyouwant.”

“Tobenormalagain.Ayearago,Iwouldhavesnatchedupsomeonelikeyou,

takenyousomewhereprivate,andnotcomeoutuntilweweredoneenjoying
ourselves.”

Jacegrinneddownather.“Metoo.Withyou,Imean.”

“Butnow.”Denishudderedbutshedidn’tpullaway.“I’mafraidtoletmyself

go.”

“Yeah,”Jacesaid,hisvoicequieter.“Metoo.”That’swhythey’dsentJaceto

AustintoliaiseandtesttheCollarcontrolproblem.Jacewastrustworthy,
dependable.Couldkeepasecret.Couldtakepainandnotgocrazyfromit.He
didn’tneedanyonetoholdhishand,neverhad.

Helikedtostayincontrol,bestrong.Buttonight...
“Comeon,”Denisaid.Shelacedherhandthroughhis,tugginghimalong

withher.“BestIgethome.”

Jace’sheartstillthrummedfromthekiss—Deni’staste,herscent,thewarmth

ofherbodyimprintedonhis.Theferalbeingdeepinsidehimgrowledin
frustration,wantingout.

Keepittogether.HewassupposedtobehelpingDenistaycalm.ButasJace

walkedbehindher,watchingherhipsswaywhileherhandwashotinhis,he
wonderedwhichofthemwouldprovetobethestronger.

***

WillandJackson,Deni’ssons,werehome.Deni’sheartlightenedwhenshesaw
theirpickupinthedrivewayandthelightsglowinginthehouse.Home.Safety.

Jace’sscentlikewildsagewrappedaroundherassheledhimupontothe

porch.HerideathathecouldgosleepatLiam’sorSpike’sdidn’tseemasgood
now.Denididn’tlikethethoughtofhimsayinggood-byeandwalkingaway.

“Sweetride,”Jacesaid,gesturingatthemotorcycleparkednexttothepickup.

“Yours?”

Deninodded,herheartsqueezing.“Ellisonboughtitformeafterminewas

totaled.”Sheglancedatitandturnedresolutelyaway.

“Andyouhaven’triddenit,”Jacesaid.“Shame.”
“Isn’tit?”Denijerkedopenthedoortothehouse.Shewasnotgoingtolet

Jacetalkherintogettingonthemotorcycletonight.She’ddonewellriding
Liam’sbikehome,butshestillshookfromit.Toomuchtoosoon.

Jacefollowedherinsidewithoutfurtherword.Denienteredherhaven,filled

withthescentsofhersons,herbrother,andhismate.Soonherbrotherandmate
wouldhavetheirfirstcub,andmorelaughterwouldfillthehouse.

“Mom.”
Will,heryoungest,alreadytwenty-four,cametoDeniassheenteredthe

kitchenandwrappedhisarmsaroundher.Shehuggedhimback,herbeloved

son.Afteralongtime,Willliftedhishead,lookedherupanddown,andasked,
“Whatthehellhappenedtoyou?”

“Fight,”Denisaid.“ButI’mokay.Irode,Will.Liam’sbike—allthewayfrom

thefightclub.”

Will’seyeswidened,butJackson,twoyearsolderthanWill,said,“Andyou

wereatthefightclubwhy?”Hecameforward,greetingDenibygivinghera
hugfromtheside.Willhadn’tmoved.

NeithersonacknowledgedJacestandingquietlynearthedoor.Willand

Jacksonwerestilltechnicallycubs,thoughtheywereintheirtwenties—adultsin
humanterms.Theyhadn’tgonethroughtheirTransitionsyet.Theywere
clingingtoDeniasinstinctivelyastheyhadwhenthey’dbeentiny,waitingfor
hertoeithertellthemthestrangeShifterwasafriend,orforthemtojoin
togethertoattackhim.

DenialsoknewtheyscentedJaceonher,andheronhim,andknownwhat

they’ddone.Beforetheaccident,they’dhavestartedteasingher.Nowthey
waited,uncertain.

“ThisisJaceWarden,”shesaid.“He’sstayingwithustonight.”
“Ohyeah?”JacksonfinallyeyedJace,thoughhedidn’tgosofarastopinhim

withadefiantstare.“Why’sthat?”

“Dylaninvitedhimouthere,”Denisaid.“ButDylan’sbeenarrested.”
Asshe’dguessed,theannouncementmadetheboysputasidetheir

nervousnessandbarrageherwithquestions,startingwithWhat?Areyou
serious?

JacehelpedDenifilltheminonthestory.OnceWillandJacksonweremore

relaxedwithJace,Deniwenttoherroom,washedup,changedherclothes,then
returnedtothekitchenandstartedputtingtogethersandwiches.Bigones.She
washungry.

TheboysandJacedevouredeverythingshesetdownonthetable.Deni

watchedhersonsrelaxevenmoreasJacetalked.Hereallydidhavetheknackof
puttingeveryoneatease.

Thesightofhimhulkingatthetable,shovelingdownroastbeef,ham,and

turkeyonthreedifferentkindsofbreadwhileWillandJacksonhungonhis
wordsmadeDeni’sheartacheagain.Thisiswhatsheshouldhavehadwithher
mateandcubs—afamily,laughing,talking,eating,sharing.Deni’smatehad
diedofillnesslongago,robbingDeniofthelifeshe’dwanted.Beingshoveled
intoaShiftertownhadbeenevenmorebewildering.Butthey’dmadeit,she,
Ellison,Jackson,andWill.

Heretheywere,andnowJaceseemedtocompletethepicture.
“Seriously,Mom,”Willsaid,hismouthfull.“Whydidyougotothefight

club?Youknowwhathappens...”

Denireachedacrossthetableforthebutterandslappedsomeontoherslabof

bread.“BecauseIwastiredofsittingathomehuddledupinashawl.Ronanand
Elizabethofferedtogivemealiftouttothefightclub,andItookthemuponit.
Ithoughtitwoulddomegoodtogetoutandhavefun.”

“Youcouldhavegonetothebar,”Jacksonsaid,frowning.“Safer.”
“Notreally.ToomanyhumangroupieslookingforaShiftertogrope.Plus,all

myfriendswereatthefightstonight.Iwantedtogo.”DenigaveJacksona
motherlyglare,andheshrugged.

“Speakingofgroping...”Jacksontrailedoff,deliberatelynotlookingatJace

orDeni.Willsnortedashetookanotherbite.

“Noneofyourbusiness,”Denisaid.
Jacesaidnothingatall,onlylookedamused.Hebetrayednoshame,noregret

fortheirquickencounterinthedarkness.

Theboysgottheirsnickeringin,butDenicouldtelltheywererelieved.Had

theythoughttheirmomwaswashed-up?Outoflifebecauseshesometimeswent
outofhermind?ThatmaybenootherShifterwouldwanther?

Jaceremainedsilent,lettingthemlaugh.Atonepoint,hecaughtDeni’sgaze

andwinked,andDeni’sbloodstartedtosimmer.Itreallywasdangeroustohave
himhere.

JacksonandWillretreatedtotheirroomafterthemealtowatchvideosand

sleep.JacecametoDeniwhereshelookedoutthewindowacrossthestreet,
wonderingifDylanwouldreturntonight,andwrappedhisarmsaroundherfrom
behind.

“Theyloveyou,”hesaid.
Denileanedbackintohiswarmth.“They’remycubs.”
“It’sgoodtosee.”Jaceletouthisbreath,heatticklingherear.“Ineverknew

mymother.Shediedbringingmein.”

Deniheardthesorrowinhiswords.Shepressedherhandoverhis.“I’mso

sorry.”

“It’salwaysmademealittletouchy,youknow?”Jaceheldhertighter.“Afraid

togettooclosetoanyone.Itcanhappensofast,losingsomeone.”

Sotrue.“Youhaveyourdad,”shesaid.“Andtherestofyourfamily.”Though

sheknewnoonecouldevertaketheplaceofalostlovedone.

“Ido.Andmydadhasdonesomeshitthat’sscaredmetodeath,trustme.”

Jacegavealittlechuckle.“Butit’smademecareful.”

Careful.Denihadlearnedtobethataswell.
Hisclosenessmadehernervous,andnotbecauseshedidn’tlikeit.Denibroke

hisholdandturnedaround.“Hopethecouchiscomfortable.Linensareinthe

closetinthehall.”

Hisgazesoughthers.“I’msureitwillbe.”Hetouchedherthroataboveher

Collar,fingertipscaressing.Hisjadegreeneyesdarkened,buthedidn’tspeak.
Whateverhisthoughtswere,hekeptthemtohimself.

“Goodnight,then.”Deniroseonhertiptoesandgentlykissedhislips.
Jaceslidonearmaroundher,turningthekissintosomethingdeeper.His

mouthwasapointofheatinthedarkness,theirlipsmeetinginsilence.

Jaceeasedaway,takinghishandsfromDeniandballingthemintofists,as

thoughstoppinghimselffromreachingforheragain.“Goodnight,”hesaid.

Deniswallowed,butdidn’tmove.“Goodnight.”
Jacetookastepback.“You’dbettergo.”
Goodthinking.IfDenistayed,she’dgrabhim,andthey’dgodownrighthere

inthelivingroom.Anotherchanceforthembothtolosecontrol.

“Sure,”shesaid.“Ifyouneedanything...”
Jacehelduponehand,fingersstiff.“Don’tsaythat.Toodangerous.Good

night,”herepeated,firmly.

Deninoddedandmadeherselfturnaround,walkdownthesmallhallway,and

enterherbedroom.Shelookedbackbeforesheclosedthedoor,seeingJace
standinginthelivingroom,rigid,large,solid.

Shuttingthedooronhimwasoneofthehardestthingsshe’deverdone.

***

Inthemiddleofthenight,CollarpaybackhitJace.

Heopenedhiseyesinthedark,sweatrollingdownhisface,painsmacking

himinthegut.Hestifledhisgroans—nousewakinguptherestofthehouse.

PaybackhappenedwhenaShifterpreventedhisCollarfromgoingoffwhile

hewasfighting.Helpedalotduringthefight,butafterwardtherewasalwaysa
backlash.Thesystemsrelaxed,theShifter’sadrenalinedissipated,andthe
suppressedpainwokeupandsaidhello.

Jace’snerveswereonfire.Thepainstartedathisthroatandpouredfromthere

intohisbody.Hedoubledup,stillonthecouch,rollingontohissideandsilently
fightingtheagony.

Smooth,coolhandstouchedhisskin.Jacehadstrippeddowntohisjeansto

sleepbuthadn’tputonanythingelse—he’dfoundenoughblanketsinthelinen
cupboardtokeephisbaretorsocomfortablywarm.

Deni’stouchcutthroughhispain.Shekneltonthefloornexttohim,the

fabricofherlongT-shirtbrushinghisbody.Sheworeabraceletonherright
wrist,athingoldchainwithasmallcharmthatsoothedwhenittouchedhim.
Shehadn’tbeenwearingitearliertonight,butmaybeshehadn’twantedtoriskit
gettinglostatthefightclub.

Jacetookadeepbreath,tryingtostillhisracingheartbeat.Denidrewher

handsuphischestandacrosshisshoulders.Afewhoursago,Jacewouldhave
foundthetouchsexual,invigorating.Samehands,samewoman,butnowshe
calmed.

Helaidhisheadonthearmofthesofa,forcinghisbodytoopenupfromits

crampedposition.Denimovedherhandsdownhischestandtohisabdomen,her
touchfirmbutcaressing.

Jacedrewinanotherbreath.Denileftswathsofreliefasshepulledherhands

acrosshim,pathsfreefrompain.

Sheleaneddownandkissedhischest.Jacewoundanarmaroundherand

pulledhercloser.Itfeltsonaturaltoholdhertohimlikethis.Maybehe’d
knownthiswomaninanotherlife,perhapsthey’dhadalovefortheagesthere.
Shiftersdidn’tbelieveinreincarnation,butJace’sfoggedbrainlikedtheidea.

Denikeptkissinghisbody,keptstrokingwithherhands.Herlipsweresoft

pointsonhishotskin,herhandssobeautifullyskilled.IfJaceweren’tinso
muchpainhe’dbearoused.He’dlovetopullheruptostraddlehim,toholdher
whileshefoundpleasureinhim.

Heletoutawhisperedgroan.Denikissedhislips,stiflingthesmallsound.
Jaceheldher,movinghislipstokissherback.Wonderful,sweetwoman.Her

touchunclenchedthetightnessinhim,featheringcomfortthroughhisbody.

She’drisenfromherbed,somehowknowinghewasinpain,andhadcome

outhere,evenafterthewarygoodnightthey’dshared.Jacehadmadesurehe’d
beenasquietaspossible,butshemusthaveheardhimorsensedhispain.

Jacekissedherlipsagain,strokingherhair.Iftheyhadtimeandfreedom,

they’dfindsomuchtogether.HewasFeline,sheLupine,hefromtheVegas
Shiftertown,shefromtheAustin.Distance,family,andlawskeptthemapart,but
atthismoment—whocared?

Deniraisedherhead.ShekissedthetipofJace’snoseandbrushedherhands

downhischestoncemore,thegoldchainwhispering.

“Better?”sheasked.
“Much.”
“Good.”Sheunfoldedtoherfeet,thehemofherlongT-shirtbrushingher

knees.Sheleaneddown,bathingJaceinherscent,andkissedhislipsoncemore.
Thenhertouchandkissweregone,Denimovingdownthehalltoherbedroom.

Jacelayback,thevestigesofhispainfading.“Goodnight,”hewhispered,and

fellintoadeep,untroubledsleep.

***

JacewalkedoutofthehousethenextmorningwithEllisonRowe,Deni’s
brother.Hewalkedout,eventhoughDeniwasn’tupyet,becauseEllison
escortedhimout.

JacehadbeensleepinghardafterDenihadgonetobedthesecondtime,when

he’dbeenjerkedoutofslumberbyabigShiftersittingdownonhim.

Bothmenhadcomeoffthecouchwithayellofrage,thenthey’dfacedeach

otheracrossthelivingroomrug.Ellison’spalehairhadgleamedinthe
moonlight,hisbigfistsclenched,hiseyeswolfwhite.Jacestoodbarefootin
jeansinanotherShifter’shouse,andforthat,thispackleaderhadarighttotear
himup.

Ellison’smate,asmallhumanwomannamedMaria,hadsteppedbetween

themandcalmlyaskedJacewhathewasdoinghere.Jacehadmetherbefore—
thewomanhadbeenrescuedfromaferalShifterinMexicoandbroughthere,
andEllisonhadfallenonhisassinlovewithher.

OnceJaceexplainedabouthisvisit,Dylan,andthefightclub,Ellisonhad

backedoffalittle.EllisonhadheardaboutDylan’sarrestandconcededthatJace
couldstay.ButthelookonhisfacewhenhescentedDenionJacewaspurefury.

Denihadn’twokenupduringthealtercation,butthen,they’dconductedmost

ofitaftertheirinitialshoutinsilence,withonlyalittlegrowling.Jacedecidedto
takeashower,tiredofpeoplesniffinghim,andbythetimehe’dcomeout,the
sunwasup.EllisonpointedlywalkedJaceoutofthehouseandstartedalongthe
streetwithhim.

“Mysister,”Ellisonsaid,“isgoingthroughsomeshit.”
“Shetoldmesomeofit.”Jacehoistedhisbackpackonhisshoulder,reflecting

thathe’dprobablyneedtofindsomeplaceelsetostaytonight.

“She’sscaredandstillhealing.Shedoesn’tneedtobeconfused.”
Thepissed-offferalinJacestartedrisingagain.Whydideveryoneassumehe

wasreadytotakeadvantageofDeni?Theyallneededtoleaveheralone,give
hersomespace.

“I’mnotheretoconfuseher.”Jacestopped,forcingEllisontofacehim.

Ellisonhadhiscowboyhatandbootson—helikedtoplaythebig,badTexan.
“Deni’sagoodwoman.”

“Iknow.I’velivedwithherallmylife.”Ellison’sgrayeyesheldworry

behindhisanger.“Keepitcool.Don’tlether...”

Hetrailedoff,asthoughunabletofindthewordstodescribehisgut-

wrenchingfears.

Jacedaredtoclosethespacebetweenthem,daredevenmoretoputhishand

onEllison’sshoulder.“I’dneverhurther,”hesaid.“Icanseeshe’sspecial.”

EllisonheldJace’sgazebutsoftenedit.“Sheis.”
Jacesqueezedhisshoulder.“Thenwe’regood.”
Ellisongavehimanotherlook,thenputhishandonJace’sshoulderinreturn.

Hissqueezewasalittleharderthannecessary,buthewasconceding.Two
Shiftersagreeingnottofight.Atleast,notrightnow.

EllisonwalkedawayfromJaceafterthat,andJacecontinuedonafewblocks

toahousethatwassetbackbehindanother.Behindthat,completelyhidden
fromthestreet,wasabrickgaragethatlookedlikenothingmorethananormal
garage.Jaceopenedthedoorandwalkedin,tobegreetedbyLiamMorrissey
andhisbrotherSean.

“Excellent,”Liamsaid.“Dadsendshisregrets...obviously.We’llget

started.”

ChapterFive

“TheystillhaveDylan?”Jaceasked.

Thegaragehestoodinhadbeenconvertedtoaworkshop.Twolongtablesran

thelengthoftheroom,flankedbyafewstools.Boltedtothebencheswerea
scrollsaw,adrillpress,andwhatlookedlikearouterinastand.Attheendof
onebenchwasajeweler’svisethatrotatedonahugeballbearingsotheworker
couldlookatapiecefromeveryangle.

Thebenchesalsoheldtools—everystyleofpliersandvisegrips,wiresnips,

knives,gauges,squares,rulers,andothermeasuringdevices.Boxesholding
silverbitsandjumplinkswerearrangedonthebenches,andasolderingironlay
nexttoacanofflux.

Afewhalf-builtpiecesoffurnitureandsometraysofjewelryhadbeensetup

inthecornersoftheroom,butJaceknewthosewereforverisimilitudeshould
humansfindthisworkshop.Thetrueprojectslayintheboxesofsilverpieces.
LiamandhisfamilyweremakingfakeCollarsandalsoresearchinghowto
removerealCollarsfromShifterswithoutmakingsaidShiftersinsane.

SeannoddedtoJace’squestion.“Dad’sstillinjail.Theywantedtokeephim

overnight.Kim’sworkingonit.”

“She’sgood,ismymate,”Liamsaid.“She’llmakethemseereason,oratleast

shovelegaleseatthemuntiltheychoke.”

SeanandLiam,inspiteoftheirhopefulwords,wereworried,Jacesaw.Both

menhaddeepshadowsundertheireyesandmovedabitstiffly.They’dprobably
beenupallnight.

“Sureyouwanttobeexperimentingonmyneckwhenyou’vehadnosleep?”

heasked,onlyhalfjoking.

“Don’tworry,lad.Wewon’tdomuchtoday.”
SeanunbuckledtheSwordoftheGuardianfromhisback,slidthebladeoutof

itsleathersheath,andlaidtheswordonthetable.Runesthatlookedancientand
powerfulweretracedalloverthesword,bladeandhiltalike.

JacehadseentheswordbelongingtotheGuardianinhisownShiftertown,but

thisone,heknew,wastheoriginal.Thefirst,madebyShifterswordmakerNiall

O’ConnellandwovenwithspellsbytheFaewomanAlanna,hadbeenpassed
downthroughthegenerationstoSean—themenoftheMorrisseyfamilywere
O’Connell’sheirs.

Shiftersdidn’tmuchgoinformagic,butJaceknewthetingleofitwhenhe

feltit.Therewasmagicinthesword,anditsvibrationpermeatedtheairofthe
room.

“Collars,”Liamsaid,seatinghimselfononeofthestools.“Faemagicand

humantechnologywoventogether.Crackingthatcodeisthetoughestthing.”

“How’sitgoing?”Jaceasked.“Anyprogress?”
“Some,”LiamcontinuedwhileSeansatdown,laidafewpiecesofsilver

togetheronthejeweler’sanvil,andclickedonthelightofthemagnifieraboveit.

“WecangettotheCollar’schip.”Liamtappedtheroundblack-and-silver

piecethatwasaCelticcrossrestingonhisthroat.“It’sinthere,wiredupand
readytogo.ThemagicpartisinthesilverthatweavesthroughtheCollar—most
ofthemagicisinthere,thatis.Whatwehaven’tfiguredoutishowthemagic
andtechnologytietogether.That’simportant,becausewhatfusesthemisalso,
wethink,whatfusestheCollartotheShifter’sneck.Itbitesintoournervous
systemandstaysthere.That’swhy,whenthefirstexperimenterssimplyripped
Collarsfromnecks,theShifter’sadrenalinesystemkickedintohighgear,
sendingthatShifterferal.Itwasasthoughyearsofinstinctsbeingsuppressedby
theCollarssuddenlysprangout,withtwentyyearsofragefuelingthem.”

Jacehadheardabouttheexperimentsofafewyearsago,donebyanidiotwho

hadn’tcaredthattheShifterswentcrazywhentheCollarscameoff.He’donly
wantedtheShiftersfreeofCollarsandunderhisthumb.Liamhadbeencaught
upinthebattletostopit.Liam,hisfather,andSeanhadtakenoverthe
experimentingandwerebeingmuchmorecarefulaboutit.

Liamcontinued,“WehavetofigureoutwhatitisthatmakestheCollarswork

asonepiece.Whatthatthirdelementis,sotospeak.Magic,technology...and
somethingthatslidesinbetween.”

“AndI’mtheguineapig?”Jaceasked.
“Onlyifyouwanttobe,lad.Wewon’tforceyou.”
ButthiswaswhyJacehadcome.He’dlearned,slowlyoverthelastyear,how

tocontrolhisCollar.He’dbeenteachinghisfatherandothersinhisShiftertown
howtodoit,andpreparinghimselfforCollarremoval.TheMorrisseyshad
learnedtomakefakeCollarsthatwouldfoolhumans,butonlytwoShiftersthus
farworethem—Andrea,Sean’smate,andTiger,aShifterwho’dbeencreatedby
humans.TigerhadneverwornaCollarbeforehecametoShiftertown,andwhen
they’dtriedtoputoneon,he’dgoneevencrazierthanhealreadywas.Liamhad
decidedafakeCollarforTigerwasthebestsolution.

AndreahadwornarealCollarmostofherlife,butstrangely,ithadnever

workedonher.AndreawashalfFae.Sean’stheorywasthatherFae-ness
somehowcounteractedthemagicinsidetheCollar.Orelseherhealingmagicdid
—Andreawasahealer.Andrea’sCollarhadcomeoffeasily,inanycase.

TheMorrisseysweretryingtoapplywhatthey’dlearnedfromAndreatoother

Shifters,buttheystillhadn’tfiguredoutthedetails.ItwastoughtofindShifters
stableenough,trustworthyenough,andwillingenoughtoletthemselvesbelab
ratsfortheCollarexperiments.Hence,Jace’stripstoAustin.

Jaceopenedhisarmsandshrugged.“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”
Seanpickedupasolderingiron.“Bebestifyouheldstill.”
Jacelookedatthepencil-thindevice,whichhummedalittleasSeanturnedit

on.Thetipwouldbeturningbrutallyhot.

“Seriously?”Jaceaskedhim.
Seanattemptedtokeepaworriedlookoffhisfaceasheapproached,which

didn’tmakeJacefeelanybetter.“We’retryingtobothfindasafewaytoremove
theCollarsanddiscovertheirsecretatthesametime,”Seansaid.“Ivolunteered
myself,butDadandLiamwon’tletme.”

“Becauseyou’retheGuardian,”Jacesaidassweatbrokeoutonhisface.“If

thiskillsyou,rippleswillbefeltthroughoutShiftertown—theShifterworld,
even.Killme,andtherippleswillbesmaller.”

“Nokilling,”Seansaidquickly.“We’llstopshortofkilling.”
“Whew.”Jace’sheartbeatfaster,buthekepthisvoicelight.“Thankthe

Goddessforsmallfavors.”

“I’dlovetotellyouthiswon’thurt,”Seansaid.Heraisedthesolderingiron.
LiamclosedinonJace’sotherside.“Yougoingtobeallright,lad?Noripping

intous,Imean?”

AbeadofsweattrickleddownJace’sback,andhecurledhishandstofists.

“Let’sfindout.”

“Dadshouldbehere,”Liamsaid.“Buthetoldusnottowait.”
“Howdidhetellyou?”Jacekepthiseyesonthehottipoftheiron.“He’sin

jail.”

“He’sgoodatgettingmessagestous,”Seansaid.“Hewantsustostart.He

mustknowsomething.”

“Possibly,”Jacesaid.Heclenchedhisjaw,fiststightening.
SomethingcoldtouchedthesideofJace’sneck.Aknife—averysmall,

delicateone,wieldedbyLiam.Seanheldtheironcompetentlybetweensteady
fingersandbroughtitclosetoJace’sthroat.

“Theheatloosensthemetalwithouttearingyou,”Liamsaid.Hisknifenicked

Jace’sskin,justbarely.

“Youknowthishow?”Jaceasked.NeitherSeannorLiamanswered.Jace

didn’twanttomovehisthroatbyswallowing,buthecouldn’thelpbutlickhis
drylips.“Ah,soyoudon’tknow.”

“We’vedonealotofthinkingonthis,”Liamsaid.“Someone’sgottobethe

first.”

“SeansaidyoutookAndrea’soffwithaknifealone.”
“True,butAndrea’swasn’tfusedtohernervoussystem.Trustme,we’lldo

thisslowly.Onlyalinkortwotoday.Moretomorrowifitworks.”

“Ifitworks,”Jacerepeated.“Yourskillsatreassuranceareterrific,Liam.

WhatahellofaShiftertownleaderyoumustmake.”

“Stoptalking,”Liamsaid.“Stayvery,verystill.”
JacewasdoingthisforthegoodofallShifters,heremindedhimself.Shifters

foryearstocomewouldbenefitfromJace’ssacrifice.

Itwasthatword—sacrifice—thatJacewashavingtroublewithatthemoment.
Theknifebladecut.Atthesametime,Seandartedinwiththeiron.Searing

heatradiatedacrossJace’sneckanddownhisspine.Hefeltawildcatsnarlbegin
deepinsidebuthetampeditdownashardashecould.Ifheshiftednow,who
thehellknewwhatwouldhappentohim?

LiamandSeanbackedoffasswiftlyasthey’dgonein.Jaceopenedhiseyes

andshookhishead,thepaineasing.Heblinked,realizingheviewedtheother
twothroughcat’seyes.Herelaxedhishandsandfoundhe’dgougedhisown
palmswithleopardclaws.

Hedrewaraggedbreath,willingallofhimselftoresumehumanform.“Isthat

it?”

Liamshookhishead.“Startedit.Alittlebitmore,andwe’llhavealinkortwo

off.Thendrinksareonme.”

“It’seightinthemorning.”
“I’mthinkingyouwon’tcarewhattimeitiswhenwe’redone,lad.Plus,you

hadonehellofanightlastnight.Sodidwe.Beerisagoodthing.”

Jacedrewinadeepbreaththroughhisnose.“Allright,”hesaid.Hereleased

thebreath.“I’mready.”

SeanjammedtheironontoLiam’sknifeblade,andthesearingknifeslid

underJace’sskin.“Oh,sonofaf—”Jace’swordsbecameawildcatsnarl.He
slammedhiseyesshut,notwantingtoseetheworldrockifheshifted.

Theprocesstooklongerthistime.Liam’sbreathbrushedJace’sneckashe

leanedclose,hislion’sscentdifferentenoughfromtheFelinescentsJacehad
grownupwithtomakehisleopardalittlecrazy.

Afteranagonizingstretchoftime,Liamsteppedback,Seantookawaythe

iron,andthepain,mercifully,letup.Jaceopenedhiseyesagain,takingdeep

breathsuntilhiskillinginstinctscalmeddown.

Hisclothesweredrenchedwithsweat,hisbodyshaking.Jacewipedhisface

withthebackofhishandandmovedhisfingerstowardhisneck.

“Careful,”Liamsaid.“That’sgoingtobealittletender.”
Alittle?Jacebarelybrushedhimselfandjerkedhishandawayattherawpain.

“Isitoff?”

“Alinkandahalf,”Liamsaid.“Goodfortoday.”
“Alinkandahalf?”Jacespuntoagrimymirroroverasink.Sureenough,a

linkhadloosenedontherightsideofhisneck.Beneathitwasanangryred
mark.“Wecan’tletanyoneseethis.”

“No,”Liamagreed,whileSeanturnedofftheiron.“Isuggestascarfora

jacket.”

Jacket.Jacehadbroughtahoodieforcoolernights,andLiamhadpulledthe

linkwheresuchathingcouldhidethetraces.

Jacerummagedinhisbackpack.Theclothofthejacket,whenitsettled

againsthisneck,stung,butthesmallhurtwasnothingtowhathadgonethrough
himbefore.

“Whatnow?”Jaceasked.
“Beer,”Seansaid,slidinghisswordbackintoitsscabbard.“Lotsofit.And

tryingtospringmydadfromjail.”

***

DenikeptbusyinheryardafterWillandJacksonleftforwork.Mariahadgone
offtoschool,andEllisonwasback,snoringinhisbedroom,sleepingoffhis
night,leavingDenirelativelyalone.Shedidn’twanttositinthehousewaiting
toseewhetherJacewouldcomeback—thatwayledtobrooding,thento
craziness,andtoherferalwolfcomingout.

InshortsandaT-shirt,DeniplantednewbeddingflowersWillhadbrought

homeforher.TheweatherinAustinwasusuallydryenoughandwarmenough
forhertomixaridclimateplantslikeautumnsagewithwetterweatherplants
likepetuniasandroses.ManyShifterswentinforgardening,keepingtheirsmall
yardscolorfulthroughouttheyear.Anantidote,Denifigured,totherestlessness
thatmadethemwanttoroamandfight.Nestingascompensation,shesupposed.

Deniwasstraighteningupfromclippingoffafewdeadredroseswhen

warmthcoveredherfrombehind.

“Ipreferasarong,”Jacesaid,hisbreathhotinherear.

“Doyou?”Deninestledbackintohim.“I’llgetyouoneforyourself,then.Bet

you’dlookcuteinit.”

Hislaughstartedallkindsoffiresinsideher.Deniturnedinhisarms,still

holdingherpruningscissors.Shestartedtosmileathim,butshebrokeoff,
seeingthestreakofbloodonthesideofhisneck.

“Areyouallright?”
Jacemovedthecollarofhisjacketoverthewound.“Priceofwisdom.We

won’tknowwhatremovingtheCollarswilldountilweremovethem.”

“It’sstillon.”DenipointedattheCelticcrossatthehollowofhisthroat.Her

bracelet,whichshelikedtowearasoftenasshecould,clinkedlightlyagainst
thecross.Deni’smotherhadleftherthebracelet,areminderofhappierdays.

“Babysteps.IthinktheMorrisseyboysarethroughtorturingmefortheday,

oratleastthemorning.”

DenitouchedherownCollar.“Dotheyreallythinktheycangetthemoff?I

wonderif...”

JaceclosedhisfingersoverherhandasshestartedtotugatherCollar.“If

takingyoursoffwillstopyourepisodes?Idon’twantyouriskingthat,Den.
Whattheyjustdidtomehurtlikehell.Idon’twantyougoingthroughituntil
theyknowwhatthey’redoing.”

Denisqueezedhishand.“Whyareyougoingthroughit,then?Idon’twant

youhurtinglikehelleither.”

Jaceshrugged.“Someoneneedstogofirst.Whynotme?”
“Whyshoulditbeyou?”sheaskedindignantly.“LetLiamandSeantorture

themselves.”

“Thinkaboutit.”JacelacedhisfingersthroughDeni’s.“Sean’stheGuardian.

Liam’stheShiftertownleader.DylanneedstobeintactincaseLiamneeds
backup.Connortheirnephewistooyoungforthiskindofpain.Liam’strackers
—Ronan,Spike,Ellison—arematednow,withlittleones,orlittleonesonthe
way.I’mastrongenoughShiftertotaketheexperiment,andifsomething
irreversiblehappenstome,mydadandmyauntCassarealreadyrunningour
Shiftertown.I’munmated,havenocubs...”

“Meaningyou’reexpendable?”Denisnatchedherhandaway,angerrising

fromsomeplacedeep.“Noone’sexpendable,Jace.”

Jacegaveheratolerantlook.“You’renicetoworryaboutme.Now,how

aboutputtingonthesarong?”

Denimadeanoiseofexasperationandsmackedathimwithheremptyhand.

Jacecaughtherhandagainandtuggedhercloser,upagainsthishardbody.

Hisfacelostitsteasingexpression,andhisgriptightened.“Deni,youmake

megladtobealive.”

Shelookedupintohiseyes,whichheldfire,andsomethinginherthatshe

hadn’trealizedwastightunwounditself.

Denispreadherfingersonhischest.“Don’tletthemhaveitalltheirown

way.”

Jacegaveherastartledlookasthoughsurprisedatherdefenseofhim.He

leaneddownandkissedher,drawingthefirethathadalreadybeguninsideher.
Herestedhischeekagainsthersafterthat,rockingalittleasheheldher,warmth
towarmth.

Jaceliftedhishead,brushingDeni’shairfromherface.“I’mbeat.Toobad.I

washopingtodootherthingsthismorning.”

Thelightinhiseyeswassuggestive,buthedidlooktired.Exhausted.He

hadn’thadmuchsleepinthenight,andhe’dbeengoneatdawn.Deniwas
willingtobethehadn’teatenanythingeither.

“Takealoadoff,”shesaid,gesturingtotheporch.“Letmefinishhere,andI’ll

makealatebreakfast.Orearlylunch.Whateveryouwanttocallit.”

Jacegaveherasmileandkissedherforehead,tighteninghisgriponheragain,

butfinallyhelethergo.“LiamandSeanwenthometoconsumeaboatloadof
Guinness,”hesaid,movingtotheporch.Heshookhishead.“Irishmen.”

Helaughed,butDenigrewirritated.LiamexpectedJacetositstillwhilehe

andSeanpokedathim,andthentheydidn’tevenbothertofeedhim.

Shejerkedonhergardeningglovesastheporchswingcreaked—Jaceletouta

sighasherelaxedonit—andwentbacktohertaskofspreadingmulcharound
hernewplants.Afewrosestodeadhead,andthenshe’dgowhipupamountain
ofeggsandastackofbacon.Ellisonwouldbeupsoontoo,andsheknewhow
muchmaleShifterslovedtoeat.

Asmallcarpulledupacrossthestreet.DenistraightenedtowatchasKim

Morrisseydescendedinaneatskirtandblousewithlow-heeledshoes.Deni
sensedotherShiftersinyardsandonporchesdownthestreetcomingalert,
watchingtoo.

KimlookedoverandgaveDeniabriefwave,butherusualsmilesweregone,

herfacesetingrimlines.ThepassengerdoorhadopenedasKimgotout,and
Dylanemerged.

Deniletoutabreathofrelief.Dylanwassafe.ShesensedtheotherShifters

relaxaswell,andsawthemturnbacktotheirmorningtasks.

DylanglancedatDenithenwalkedswiftlyacrosstheroadtowardDeni’s

yard.Hepausedattheedgeofthebrowninggrass,toomuchaShiftertoinvade
Ellison’sterritorywithoutinvitation.HeonlycontinuedtowardDeniather
flowerbedwhenshegavehimanod.

Dylanlookedterrible.Hischeekswerecoveredwithblackstubble,thegray

thatbrushedhistemplesmoreprevalentthismorning.Hisfacewaslinedwith
dirt,hishairlank,hisclothessmellingofstalesmokeandsweat.

“Youallright?”Dylanaskedher.
“Ishouldbeaskingyouthat,”Denisaid,pullingoffherdirtyglovesand

droppingthemtotheground.Dylan’sblueeyeswerealwaysdifficulttolook
into,butDenimethisgazeforafewbeats.

“I’mgood,”Dylansaid,thoughitwasobvioushewasn’t.Heputafirmhand

onDeni’sshoulderandpulledherintoahug.“Youdidwelllastnight,lass,”he
said.Hisarmstightened,thealphagivingoneofhisfrightenedShifters
reassurance.

Agrowlsounded.Lowandvicious,itrolledoutfromtheshadows,itsthreat

clear.

Dylanjerkedaround,releasingDeni.Anansweringgrowlcamefromhis

throat,Dylantootiredtoworryaboutanykindofprotocol.AShifterthreatened
him—Dylanwasgoingtostrikehimdown.

IttookDeniasecondtorealizethattherumblehadcomefromJaceonthe

porch.Hewasstillsittingontheporchswing,butalert,upright,hiseyesglinting
intheshadows.

Shiftersinanother’sterritorywerealwayscarefulaboutwhattheydid—this

entireShiftertownwastechnicallyMorrisseyclanterritory,thoughthey
respectedtherightsandprivacyofindividualfamilies,packs,andprides.Buta
Shifterfromoutoftowncouldn’tthreaten,challenge,orcauseanyproblems
whenhewasaninvitedguest.Itwasn’tpolite,anditwasdangerousbesides.

SowhythehellwasJaceWardenleaningforward,hisgazefastonDylan,

growlingwithfullmenaceandreadytoattack?

ChapterSix

Don’ttouchher,Jace’sgrowlsaid.

HeknewDylanunderstoodhim,becauseDylanwasstaringbackatJacewith

fullcomprehension.Dylanwasalsoangry,theshortfuseofhistempernot
helpedbyhisnightinjail.

Jaceknewhewasviolatingallkindsofprotocol,buthedidn’tgiveacrap.

DylanhadputhishandsonDeni,andJacehadseenherfirst.

Afaint,logicalvoicedeepinsideJacetoldhimDylan’sreassuranceofDeni

wasnatural,andtheintruderinthispicturewasJace.

Jacekickedatthevoiceuntilitshutup.Heknewifherosefromtheswing,

there’dbeafight,andhewasn’tsurehewouldn’twelcomeit.IfDylanwasa
goodShifterandwentalonghome,Jacewouldlethimgo.Otherwise...

Dylanstartedfortheporch.Jacerecognizedthedeterminationinhisstride,

havingseenitinhisownfatheroftenenough.Dylanwascomingtoteachthe
upstartJacealesson.

Jaceheldhisplaceontheporchswing.Thelogicalvoicehadjustenough

volumetotellhimthatnooneinthisShiftertownwouldtakehissideinafight
againstDylan.Notinarealone.Thiswasn’tthefightclub—fightclubrules
didn’tapplyhere.

Dylanwasonthesteps,movingslowlybutmenacingly.Jacesawaflashout

ofthecornerofhiseye,andthenDeniwasleapingfromtheground,upandover
theporchrailingwithLupinegrace.Thefactthatshe’dcrushedoneofhernewly
plantedpetuniasasshemadethevaulttoldJaceofherapprehension.

DenimovedswiftlyinfrontofJace,facingDylanbeforehereachedtheporch

floor.

“He’stiredandhurt,”DenisaidtoDylan,wordscomingfast.“Likeyouare.

Letitgo.”

True,Jacewas.Buthewasalsoenraged.AfightwithDylanwouldbefun.

Lionagainstleopard—brutestrengthagainstfinesse.Whichwouldprevail?

DylanlookedatDeni,willinghertomove.Deniheldherground—goodfor

her.Dylangrowledalittle,thenhelookedaroundDenitoJace,hisblueeyes

goingShifterwhite.“Denisright,”Dylansaid,everywordslowanddeliberate.
HewasholdinghimselfbackfromthrowingDeniasideandgoingforJace,and
makingitclearhewasholdingback.“We’rebothexhausted.”Dylan’sgazewent
toJace’sneck,whereJace’sjackethadslidbackagaintorevealtheloosened
Collarlink.“Andyou’reinpain.Eatsomething.Sleepitoff.”

“Goodadvice,”DenisaidtoDylan.“Takeityourself.Neitherofyougot

muchsleeplastnight.”

Jaceremainedsilent,buthegaveDylanaslownod.Dylanrestedhisgazeon

Jaceforafewmomentslonger,theweightofhisstarepalpable,beforeheturned
andwalkedofftheporch.Hesaidnothing,notagood-byeoran
acknowledgment,onlystrodeawayandbackacrossthestreettowhereKim
waitedanxiously.

DeniwatchedDylango,herhandsonhershapelyhips.Jacecouldreachup

andclaspthosehips,pullingherbacktohislap.

Deniswungaroundbeforehecouldmove.“Areyouallright?Whyinthe

Goddess’snamedidyoudothat?”

Jaceshrugged,whichrubbedhisjacketagainsthissoreneck.“Ididn’tlikethe

wayhetouchedyou.”

“He’sShiftertownleader.”Denifoldedherarmsandglareddownathim.“It’s

hisjobtoreassureusall,tomakesureeveryone’sokay.”

“He’snotleaderanymore.”
“Nottechnically,no.ButLiamstillreliesonhimprettyheavilytokeepthe

peace.Didn’tDylaninviteyouhereinthefirstplace?”

“Hedid.”JacekneweverythingDenisaidwastrueandreasonable.Butthe

matingfrenzyonlyknewmateandstayawayfrommymate.

Timetoapologize,makeamends,tellDylanhedidn’tmeantobeanidiot.But

Jacedidn’twantto.HestillhurtfromLiam’sknifeandSean’ssolderingiron,
andheneededabreak.

Jacepressedhishandstohisthighsandrosetohisfeet.HelikedthatDeni

didn’ttakeastepbackbutremainedinhispersonalspace,asthoughshe
belongedthere.

“We’rebothtired,”Jacesaid.“Likeyousaid.Now,aboutthisbreakfast.Let’s

getsomethingstarted.I’mstarving.”

***

DeniwatchedJaceeat.Andeat,andeat.Sheputawayaplateofeggs,bacon,

andTexastoastherself,butJacekeptshovelingitin.Ellisonwokeupandjoined
them,ashungryasJace.

“Iguessnomorefightclubforawhile,”Ellisonsaidaftertheydiscussedwhat

hadhappenedwiththecops.“Damn.Shiftersneedtoworkoffsteamsomehow
orelsewecombust.”

“Youcanworkoffsteambycleaningouttheguttersandfixingtheroof,”Deni

said,pilingmoreeggs,cheese,andsalsaontobothmales’plates.“Thatwillcool
youdown.”

Jacelaughedoutloud.Hewassweetandsexy,fillinguptheplaceatthetable

asthoughhebelongedthere.

Ellisongrimaced.“Don’tbesoliteral,woman.”
“Justgivingyouanalternative,”Denisaid,resumingherseat.Jaceclosedhis

handoverhers,squeezingit,beforehereturnedtohisfood.“Iwouldn’twant
youtoburstintoflames.”

EllisonlookedoverJaceandDeni,hisgrayeyesshrewd.Hedidn’tpretend

nottonoticethesignalsbetweenthem,howcomfortabletheyweresittingclose
together.

Aknocksoundedonthebackdoor,andJacecameinstantlyalert.Hishand

jerkedonDeni’s,hiseyeslosingtheirdeepgreennessforalighterhue.

Atthesametimeapolicecarwentbythehouse,itsblackbodyandwhite

doorsslidingpastinsilence.Ellisonwentnoiselesslyforthedoorandopenedit
tofindasmallboywithwhitehairandblackeyesstandingonthedoorstep.

“Olaf,”Ellisonsaid,hisbodyrelaxing.“Maria’snothomeyet.”Maria,

Ellison’smate,oftenbabysatforeleven-year-oldOlaf,whowasapolarbearcub,
aswellasotherShifterkids.Shelookedafterthemwhiletheirparents—orin
Olaf’scase,fosterparents—worked.

“Ronansentmetotellyouthepolicearehere,”Olafsaid.
“Weseethat.”Ellisonturnedtowatchasecondcargopastthefrontwindows.
“They’regoingdoor-to-door,”Olafsaid.“CheckingID.”Helookedpast

EllisonandintothekitchenatJace.“Everyone’sID.”

Deni’sheartbeatspedinalarm.“DoesRonanknowifthey’relookingfor

someoneinparticular?”

Olafshookhishead.“No.They’rejustaskingforID.”HepeeredatJace,his

smallfaceblank.“What’sthematterwithhim?”

“Nothing,”Denisaidquickly.“Longnight.”
Olafdidn’tnod.HekeptstaringatJace,hisbrowpuckering.“He’snotright.”
Withthatdeclaration,Olafturnedfromthedoorandraninalopingstride

downtheporchstepsandacrossthebackyardtothenexthouse.

Ronanhadbeensmarttosendhimasanearlywarningsystem,Denithought

asEllisonclosedthedoor.Ifthepolicestoppedhim,allOlafhadtodowaslook
cuteandinnocent,andcharmthemsenseless.Hedidthatsowell.

Ellisoncamebacktothekitchen,hisshoulderstight.“Don’twehaveanew

ShifterBureauliaisontopreventthiskindofharassment?Ineedtohaveatalk
withTiger.”

“Maybeit’scomingfromadifferentdepartment,”Denisaid.“Notourbiggest

concernatthemoment.”

BothsheandherbrotherturnedtolookatJace.
“Shit,”Ellisonsaid.Deniwaited,tense.TheycouldhelpJace,butonlyif

Ellisonagreed.

Jacehelduphishands.“Ipromisenottotouchanything.”
EllisonwentpastDeniandintothehallbetweenkitchen,livingroom,and

bedrooms.“Shit,”hesaidagain,hisTexasaccentthickening.

“Nochoice,”DenisaidtoEllisonassheandJacefollowed.“Hedoesn’thave

timetogetaway.”

Ellisonputhishandonthefalsewallpanelinthemiddleofthehall.“You

knowthisisasacredtrust,”hesaidtoJace.“Right?”

“I’mfamiliarwiththeconcept,”Jacesaidimpatiently.
“Damnit,”Ellisonsaidunderhisbreath.“IfIstillhadapack,they’dkillme.”
“Iamyourpack,”Denisaid.“AndI’llspeakformysons.Jacegoesto

ground.”

WereJaceanyoneelse,DeniwouldbeasreluctantasEllisontoopenthedoor

behindthepanelingandletJaceseewhatwasinthere.ButthiswasJace,and
she’dlethimsootheherinthedarknessatthefightclublastnight.He’dkepther
fromgoingferal,hadgottenherhomesafely,andprovedshecouldstartgoing
backtohernormallifewithoutfear.Sheowedhim.

Theopeningdoorrevealedasetofcementstairsheadingdownintodarkness.

Thethreeofthempausedatthetopamoment,lettingtheairfrombelowcool
them.

Secretspaces.EveryShifterhousehadthem.Traditionallybuiltbelowthe

mainhouse,theyheldsecretsofthatShifterpackorclan,thingscollectedand
cherished,thepack’swealth.Shiftershadsurvivedallthesecenturiesbecauseof
thethingscontainedintheirvaults.Shiftersnowlivedtogetherabovegroundin
relativepeace—differentclansandspeciesrubbingelbows,orpaws—because
theykeptthispartofthemselves,placesonlyclosefamilywent,safely
underground.

ToletanunrelatedShifterseethesecretspaceswasunthinkable.Jacewasn’t

familyorclan—hewasn’tevenLupine.

Anotherknockcame,thisoneonthefrontdoor,andmuchfirmerthanOlaf’s.

“Mr.Rowe?”aman’svoicesounded.

Ellisonletoutagrowlandheadedforthefront.Jace,insteadofgoingdown

thestairs,spunandstartedafterhim,steppinginfrontofDeniasthough
protectingher.

“No!”Deniwhispered.ShegrabbedJacebythejacketandshookhim.“Get

downthere.”

Jaceswungaroundandgaveherastartledlook,asthoughhe’dhadnoidea

he’dgoneintohisprotectivestance.Hiseyeswerethelightgreenagain,his
Shifterrageapparent.

Deniknewhedidn’twanttogodownthestairswithouther,toleaveher

vulnerable.Butthiswasn’tthewild.Thiswasthehumanworld,andatthe
moment,sheandJacehadtoplaybytheirrules,orriskeverything.

“Down,”Deniwhisperedagain.
Jacefinallynodded,letherpushhimtothefirststair,andheldhergazeasshe

shutthedooronhim.Denihadthefalsepanelbackinplaceandwaswalkingout
towardthelivingroombythetimetwopoliceofficers,onearmedwithatranq
rifle,strodeinanddemandedtoseeherandEllison’sIDs.

***

Jaceremainedinthestairwell,pressinghisfiststothestonewall,draggingin
deepbreaths.Heknewhecouldn’triskthepolicefindinghim,buttheneedto
keepthemawayfromDenihadrisenswiftly,hisprimalfearforherdrivingaway
commonsense.

Hecouldhearthepolicethroughthethinpaneling,talkingtoEllisonand

Deni,askingwhereMariawas,andaboutDeni’ssons.Humanhearingwasn’tas
goodasShifters’,butJaceknewtheymightbeabletohearanynoisehemadeif
hewasn’tcareful.

Insilence,hewalkedtherestofthewaydownthestairs,hisFelineeyes

lettinghimseeinthedark.Atthebottomwasadoor,unlocked.Jaceopeneditas
noiselesslyashecould,slippedinsidethebasementroom,andclosedthedoor
behindhim.

Onlythendidhefliponeoftheswitchesbesidethedoor,onlyone.Asingle

lightcameoninthemiddleoftheroom.

Jacelookedaround.Nice.Themainroomheldsoft-lookingfurnitureand

openedtoakitchenlargerthantheoneupstairs,withmoreupscaleappliances.
Therefrigeratorwasstocked,hesawwhenheopenedit.AShiftercouldlive

downherecomfortablyforweeks.

AflatscreenTVhadbeenmountedtoawall,andagameconsoleandcontrols

satunderit.Jacesmiled.WillandJacksonmusthavefundownhere.Probably
Ellisontoo.JacethoughtaboutCassidyathishouse,andherprowessatthepool
table.Denilikelyheldherown.WhyShifterslikedtoplayRPGs,Jacehadnever
figuredout—theywereshapeshiftersandfightersinreallife—butgiventhe
opportunitytotakeanewidentityandkickatroll’sass,theycouldn’tresist.

Gameswereoff-limitsrightnow.Jacecouldn’triskthatthehumansupstairs

wouldn’thear.Shifterspaceswereusuallysoundproofed,butsoundproofingwas
onlysogood.

JacefiguredEllisonwouldwantJacetostandwithhiseyesclosedinthe

middleoftheroomandnotsmell,see,ortouchanything.Andthensomehow
wipehismemoryofeverythingthemomentheleft.Hehadtosmile.

Inanyothersituation,JacemighttrytokeepclearoftheRowefamily’s

secrets.ButthiswasDeni’splace.Itheldtheessenceofher,evenmorethanthe
houseupstairsdid.

Jacecouldn’tresiststoppingbythetallcabinetthatheldbooksanda

collectionofframedphotographs.Familyphotos.AtallcoupleJacedidn’t
recognizemustbeEllisonandDeni’sparents.Thephotowasold,butkeptwith
care.

AnotherolderphotoshowedDeni,muchyounger,probablyjustpasther

Transition,withamaleShifter.TheShiftermale,whohadblackhairandgray
eyes,wasaLupine,bigandrawboned,likemostofthewolves.Denileaned
againsthim,asmileonherface,lookinghappy.Deni’snamewasstillRowe,
though,Jasonmused.Shehadn’ttakenhermate’sfamily’sname,whichmeant
hermatehadbeenoflesserdominancethanher,probablymuchless.Thesedays,
itwasafemale’schoicewhichnametotake,butinthepast,thatchoicehadbeen
madeforherbywhicheverfamilywasdominant.Evennow,moredominant
familieswouldfighttokeeptheirdaughtersundertheirname.Denihadbeen
matedlongagoenoughthatshe’dlikelygonealongwiththetradition.

AnotherpictureofDenishowedherholdingtwowolfcubs,thepairbright-

eyed.WillandJackson,aspups.Deni’smatemusthavetakenthephoto,because
Denismiledoutofthepictureathim,hereyesfulloflove.

MorerecentphotosshowedDeniwithWillandJacksonastallyoungmen,all

ofthemwearingCollars.ThenoneofEllisoncuddlingthesmallhumanwoman,
Maria,bothgrinning.EllisonworeamorerelaxedexpressionthanJacehadever
seenonhim.

AnotherwasofDenialone.Theriverwasinthebackground,Deniina

bathingsuitandwrap,herhairwet,thegoldbraceletshelikedtowearonher

wrist.Shesmiledwithalltheanimationshe’dshowedwhenshe’dheldhercubs.
ThiswasDenihappy,withoutthehauntedlookinhereyes.Beforetheaccident,
Jacefigured.

Asuddensavagefuryroseupinhim,fillinghisthroatwithgrowls.She’d

beendeliberatelyrundownbyahumantryingtokidnapher.Thoughtheman
hadbeenkilled,Jacewantedtheculpritinfrontofhim,sohecouldhavethe
pleasureofrippinghisheadoff.

Hisragerosesoquicklythathestartedtoshift.ThenhisCollarshockedhim.
Thepainwasfierce.Jacedughisfistintohismouthtocutoffthescreamthat

hadwelledup,readytoburstout.

Sonofabitch.Heclosedhiseyes,tryingtobreathe,rapidlyrepeatingthe

meditationmantratocalmtheCollar.TheCollarshockedhimagain,andhe
balledhishandsinagony.

Whatthefuck?
Jacefoundhimselfonthefloor,armscurledaroundhislegsasherockedin

pain.Flashesofragewentthroughhim,followedbyjustasintenseflashesof
need.NeedforDeni.

Heneededhertouch,herkiss,tobreatheherscent.Herbodyagainsthis.

Anothertimeofpassionwithher,anothertimewhenhe’dburyhimselfinside
herandbe,foronceinhislife,complete.

“Shit,”hesaidoutloud.Thiswasn’tmatingfrenzy.Ormaybeitpartlywas.

ButJacerecognizedhissymptomsfromseeingtheminanunfortunatefew.
Rabidhunger.Intenseneedforsex.Quicktoanger,readytokill,especiallyto
protectwhatwashis.

OnlytwolinksofhisCollarhadbeenpulledaway,noteventhat,butithad

triggeredtheferalinhim.

Shouldn’tsurprisehim,hereflected.LiamhadsaidtakingofftheCollars

madetheinstinctssuppressedbyyearsofwearingthemburstoutinavolcanic
flare.Thetrickwouldbefiguringouthowtonegatetheeffect.

Fornow,Jacehadtocontrolhimself.Somehow.Thepoliceupstairswere

interrogatingthewomanhewanted...buthecouldn’tthinkaboutthat.Ifhe
did,he’drushupthereanddestroythemall.

Keepittogether.
Funny,ithadbeeneasytotellDenitokeepherselfcalm.Difficulttoconvince

himselftodosonow.

Jaceyankedopenthedoorofthecabinet—hestoppedhimselffromsimply

smashingtheglassandputtinghishandthroughit.Hetookoutthephotoof
Denibyherself,smilingcheerfullyoutathim.

Hetouchedherfacewithhisfingers,drawingadeepbreath.LookingatDeni

kepthimcool,butbarely.

Jacehadtoknowwhatwashappeningupstairs.WeretheytakingawayDeni

inapatrolcar,arrestingherforwhateverreason?

Heclutchedthepicturetohischest,tryingtostillhisneedtorunupthestairs

anddragDenitosafety.Hehadtothink.

Jacewassmart—he’ddesignedmostoftheundergroundspaceanditsgadgets

inthehousehesharedwithhisdadandfamilyintheVegasShiftertown.He’d
beenrecruitedtodesignthespacesinthenewhousesbeingbuiltoutthereas
well.Whathadhedonetomakesuretheywouldn’tgettrappedintheirown
hidingplaces,withoutknowingwhatwasgoingonintheoutsideworld?

HemovedtotheTV,madesurethesoundwasallthewaydown,andclicked

iton.Alittlebuttonpushingontheremote...yes,they’ddoneittoo.Ormaybe
they’dfollowedJace’sdesign,whichEriclikedtobragabout.

OneoftheTVchannelsmonitoredtheupstairs.Ellisonmusthaveputcameras

inthebiglivingroomandoneonthefrontporch.Theyfocusednow,showing
DenistandingnexttoEllison,bothsheandherbrotheruprightbuteasy,without
defiance.

Fourcopsbarredtheirwayoutoftheroom,thefemaleonewiththetranqrifle

talkingtothem.EllisonandDenianswered,standingcasually,tryingnotto
betraynervousnessthroughbodylanguage.Humanswerenotasgoodatreading
nonverbalsignalsasShifters,butsomecouldbegoodatit,especiallythepolice
senttodealwithShifters.

Jaceinchedupthevolume,butthesoundwastoomuffledforhimtomakeout

whattheyweresaying.NoonewaslungingtoputEllisonorDeniincuffs,
fortunately.Justcopstalkingtocitizens,citizenswhohappenedtobeShifters.

Jacesatdownonthecouch,unwillingtolookaway.HehuggedDeni’spicture

tohimalmostwithoutrealizingit.Hewasstillhuggingitwhenthecopsfinally
leftthehouseandDenicamedownstairstofindhim.

***

JacewasoffthecouchandatthebottomofthestairsassoonasDenisteppedoff
them.Denifoundherselfcaughtinahardhug,Jaceliftingherfromherfeet.

“It’sallright,Jace,”shesaidquickly.“I’mallright.”
Jacegrowledandburiedhisfaceinherneck.Deniheldhim,thesolidnessof

hisbodyagainsthersslowingherracingheart.

“Youtouchedstuff,”Ellisonsaid,halfjoking.HewentpastJace,snatchedthe

remoteoffthecouch,andclickedoffthetelevision.Hestartedtoclosethe
cabinetdoorandstopped.“Youtouchedmorestuff.”

DenitooktheframedphotoofherselffromJace’shand.Shehadtotugatit

beforeheblinkedandletitgo,asthoughhe’dforgottenhewasclutchingitso
tightly.DenihandedittoEllison,whorestoredittothecabinet,notbefore
givingJaceasharplook.

“Didyouhearwhattheysaid?”Deniasked.
“Notwell.”Jacereleasedherfromthehugandtookafirmholdofherhand.

“Ionlysawtheydidn’tarrestyou,thanktheGoddess.Whathappened?”

“They’reinterestedinwhatShiftershavebeenuptolately,”Ellisonsaid.

“Veryinterested.Lookingatidentification,askingwherewe’reworking,what
we’redoingwhenwe’renot.”

“Havetowonderwhythey’reaskingallthesudden,”Jacesaid.“RightafterI

arrived.Idon’tbelieveincoincidences.”

“NeitherdoI.”EllisonandJacesharedagrimlook.“Ihatetosaythis,but

you’dbetterstaydownhereawhile.They’rerovingShiftertown,andprobably
won’tbeleavingsoon.”

DenisawtheflashinJace’seyes,thewildlookshesawinherselfsometimes.

Trapped.

Shetouchedhisarm.“I’llstayherewithyou.”
Jace’slookchangedinaninstanttosomethinghungryandraw,hiseyesgoing

verylightgreen.“Youshouldn’t.”

“You’rehurting.”DeniputherfingerstotheredmarksaroundhisCollarbut

shedidn’ttouchthem.“Becauseofthis?”

“Idon’tknow.”Jace’shandwassweating,slickagainsthers.“Ithinkso.”
“IknewLiamwascrazy,”Ellisonsaid.“Goingonaboutreleasingusfrom

Collars.I’mgoingtogogetDylan,havehimlookinonyou.”

“Becareful,”Denisaid.
Ellisontippedanimaginarycowboyhat.“I’malwayscareful,ma’am,”he

drawled,thenwentpastthemandupthestairs.

“Let’ssitdown.”DenistartedtoleadJacetothesofa,buthedidn’tbudge.His

bodywasstrong,abouldershecouldn’tmove.

“Den,youshouldgetoutofhere.”Hisgripwastight,hishandhot.
Deni’sheartbeatfasterasshetouchedhiswristandfoundhispulsebanging

beneathherfingers.“IthinkIshouldstay.Ellisonwillberightback.”

“No,go!”Jacepushedather,hisbreathcomingfast.“Ifyoustay,Idon’t

knowwhatI’lldo.Iwantyou—lastnightwasn’tenough.Iwantithard,andI
wantitnow.Don’tletmetakeitfromyou.”

Deniletgoofhishand,butsheremainedsquarelyinfrontofhim.AShifter

goingferalandfeelingmatingfrenzywasadangerousthing.Jacecoulddo
anything,evenkillher,ifhewascrazedenough.Sheunderstoodthat.

Ontheotherhand,inmatingfrenzy,onlythematekeptaShifterfrom

completelylosinghismind.ShethoughtofJacebehindheronthemotorcycle,
warmingherandgivingherthestrengthtocutthroughherfearsandgetthem
home.He’dbeenwithhereverysecond,andhe’dheldherinvictorywhenshe’d
madeit.WhenJacehadtohidedownhere,Denihadreasonedthatsheowed
him.Shestillbelievedthat.

“I’mnotleaving,”shesaid.
Jace’seyesturnedallthewaywhite.HegrabbedDenibythewristsand

hauledheragainsthim.

ChapterSeven

DenilandedagainstJace’schest,hisskinhotthroughhisthinshirt.Hisjacket’s
zipperrubbedDeni’sarms,thefrictionofitreleasingtheheatinherownbody.

Jace’skisswashard,openinghermouth,hisgriponherwristscrushing.But

Deniwasstrong,hadalwaysbeenstrong.Shecouldnothaveenduredsomuch
withoutstrength.Sheroseonhertiptoes,kissinghimback,herbodyfittingto
his.

Jaceraisedhishead,breakingthekiss.Hislipswereparted,themoisture

insidehismouthbeckoningher.Deniknewhistastenowandcravedmore.She
alsoknewwhathefeltlikeinsideher,andshewantedthatagain.Shewantedhis
firmbodyontopofhers,wantedtheheatofhisthruststofillher.Denireached
forthebuttonofhisjeansandsliditopen.

Jacetightenedhisfingersonherwristagain.“Don’tplaywithfire.”
“I’mcold,”Denisaidinalowvoice.“Warmmeup.”
Jacewasstrugglingwithcoherence.“Ellisonwillbebacksoon,yousaid.”
Shegavehimahotsmile.“Thenweshouldhurry.”
“Bloodyhell.”
Deniunzippedhisjeans.Hehadn’tbotheredwithunderwearthismorning,she

foundasshedippedherhandinside.Hiscock,hardandhot,tumbledintoher
hand.

Jaceletoutagroan.HejerkedDeniagainsthim,hisarmsolidlybehindheras

shelightlystrokedhim.“Gods,woman.”

“Youwokemeup,Jace,”shesaid.“Iwanttothankyouforthat.”
“Inthemiddleoflastnight,youmean?”Hiswordswerestrained.“Iwas

feelingpaybackfromthefight.Triedtokeepitquiet.”

“YouknowIdon’tmeanthat.”Denisqueezedhiscockuntilheletoutanother

noiseofpleasure.

“Damn.”Jacetuggedherhandfromhimbutonlytoliftherintohisarms,

kissingherwithaferocitythattastedoffire.

Thesofawasnear.JacetippedDenibackoveritsarmuntiltheybothfellonto

itscushions,armsandlegsbumpingandtanglingineachother’s.Denilaughed.

Thelaughterprobablysavedher,shethoughtlater.Jaceshookhishead

slightlyasthoughclearinghismind,andhiseyestookonajadehueagain.He
slowedhiskissestosomethingtender,lipssoftonDeni’s.Sheranherfingers
throughtheshortendsofhishair,likingthewarmbrushofit.

Jaceunbuttonedhershorts,tuggingthemdownandoffwithacontortionof

bodiesthathadthemlaughingagain.Hisjeanslandedonthefloorontopofthe
shorts,andthentheywerebodytobody.Denitookhandfulsofhisjacket,but
beforeshecouldstarttocoaxitoff,Jaceslidinsideher.

Allthewayin.Lastnighthadbeenwildandfast,arawcouplingattheedge

ofaparkinglot.Noweverythingstopped.JacelookedintoDeni’seyes,theferal
Shiftersofteningintoaman,hard-facedbutwarm-eyed.

Hefilledher,hisbreathslowingashelayonher,touchingherface.The

pressureofhiminsideherloosenedherentirebody,andDeniwrappedherself
aroundhim,drawinghimin.

Jaceclosedhiseyes,lettingoutanothersoftmoan.Hekissedhermouth,

givinganiptothecornerofit.

Afteramoment,heopenedhiseyesagainandstartedtomove.Slowthrusts,

intensitybuildingaseachonecompleted.Jaceheldhergaze,hiseyesadark
greennow.Thefrenziedanimalhadcalmed.NowitwasjustDeniandJace.

Deniarchedunderhim,Jace’sthrustscomingfaster.Herbackpressedintothe

sofa’ssoftfoamcushions,allthewaydowntothesprings.Sheheldhimclose,
laughingintohishairasthespringsstartedtosqueak.

“Goddess,youarebeautiful,”Jacewhispered,featheringkissesoverherface.

“Icameheretofindyou;IknowIdid.”

He’dbeentothisShiftertownbefore,butDeniknewwhathemeant.They’d

beenreadytomeetlastnight.

ThesoftfleeceofJace’sjacketfeltgoodtoDeni’shands,thezipperrough

againstherpalms.Ashekissedher,shecouldagainseewhereonelinkofhis
Collarandpartofanotherhadbeentakenoff,hisskinangryredbeneath.

He’dbeenreadytokillDylanontheporch,andthepolicewhenthey’d

knockedonthedoor.ThelooseningCollarwaslettingouthisferalinstincts,she
guessed.Liamhadexplainedtoherwhenshe’dfirstconsideredtryingtotake
herCollaroffthatsuchathingmighthappen.Butfornow,Jacegentledhimself,
lovingherwithoutmadness.

Hekeptthrusting,andDenimovedunderhim,meetingthosethrusts.His

jacketheldhisheat,andsheslidherhandsintoit,findinghishardbackbeneath.
Jace’shonedbodywassleekunderhertouch,thelithedanceofhismuscles
exciting.

Theywerebothbreathinghard,utteringlittlegroans,holdingontoeachother

whenheavyfootstepssoundedontheothersideofthecouch.

Apairofbrawnyfistsjammedtothebackofthesofa,andDenilookedupin

timetoseeEllisonspinawayinhalfdisgust,halfirritation.“Areyoukidding
me?”Ellisongrowled.

Jacesaid,“Shit,”andtheferalwhitenessreturnedtohiseyes.Hewasupoff

thesofa,hisjacketfalling,butitwasn’tlongenoughtohidehisprivates.Deni
sawhiscock,stilldarkandhardfromwhatthey’dbeendoing,blackhaircrispat
itsbase.

DeniknewDylanwasupstairs,awayfromtheirbasementsanctuary,of

course.Ellisonkepthisbacksquarelyturned.Thatbackwasquivering,butDeni
couldn’ttellwhetherfromrageorlaughter.Alittleofboth,probably.

“Goddess,Den,he’saFeline,”Ellisonsaid.Heshookhisheadwithout

turningaround,theoverheadlightgleaminginhisblondhair.“Bothofyouget
yourassesupstairs.Afteryou’vecoveredthem.”

Hegaveonemoreshakeofhisheadandstartedforthesteps.Hiscowboy

bootsgratedonthecementstairs,thenhewasgone.

Deniswallowed,tampingdownherneedtoburstintohystericallaughter.“I

guesshewasfasterthanIthoughthe’dbe.”

Jacedidn’tsmile.“Heneedstorespectyou.”
Denisatup,pushingherhairfromherface.“Hejustcaughtyoumakingthe

beastwithtwobackswithhislittlesister.Givehimabreak.”

Jacegrowledagain,thenhereacheddownandhelpedDenitoherfeet.Asshe

cameoffthecouch,hepulledheragainsthim.“Youallright?”

“Yes.”Denitrulywas.Sheshouldbeembarrassedatbeingcaughtbyher

brother—atbeingrecklesslikethis.Butshewasn’t.Itseemednaturaltobe
couplingwithJace.Shifterscelebratedsex,becauseitmeantlife,cubs,
continuance.Shewouldn’tapologizeforit.

“Whataboutyou?”Deniasked.Jacewasshaking,buthisholdonherwas

strong.

“I’llbeokay.”Jacetookalongbreathandpulledherintoatighterhug.His

barecocktouchedherabdomen.“Igetitnow—whatyoumustgothroughwhen
youstartlosingtrackofwhoyouare.Ishouldn’thavemadelightofit.”

Denilookedupathiminalarm.“Areyoulosingtrackofwhoyouare?”
“Notquite.”Jacekissedherhairandrestedhischeekonthetopofherhead.

“Butalmost.YoukeepremindingmewhoIam,though,allright?”

***

“They’relookingforsomeone,”Dylansaidwhentheyemergedupstairs.

Theyspokeinthekitchen,wherethewindowswerehigh,small,curtained,

andlookedouttothebackyard.Thewidewindowsofthebungalow’sliving
roomwereoutofbounds.

Jacedidn’tlikehumanpolicerovingShiftertown,butrightnow,hisbody

hummedfromthenearnessofDeni,andtherememberedjoyofbeinginherone
moretime.

Helovedthesweetnessofherscent,todaycoupledwithfreshearthfromher

digginginthedirt.Thetasteofherfilledhimlikeheadywine.Hewasimprinted
withhernow,thefeelofhersoftthighsagainsthislegs,thewayshesqueezed
himwhenhepressedinsideher.

“Jace?”Denisaid.
Shewasn’ttryingtogethisattention,herealizedafteraheartbeat.Shewas

askingDylanifJacewastheShifterthepolicewerelookingfor.

“Theydidn’tsay,”Dylananswered.“Idon’tevenknowifthey’relookingfor

aShifter.Theyhadatip-off,Igotoneoftheofficerstotellme,aboutthefight
club.Itoldthemthere’salwaysrumorsofaShifterfightclub,becausehumans
findittitillating.SameasrumorsofShifterhookers.”

Shifterwomenneversoldsex,neverhad.ButShifterwomencouldbe

promiscuous,becauseShiftersdidn’tfindsexshameful.AslongasaShifterwas
unmated,theycouldhaveasmanypartnersastheywanted.Notalllikedtogo
roaming,butsomeShifterwomenspreaditaround.Humansconfusedthatwith
thesextrade;hence,therumors.

“Tip-offfromahuman?”Ellisonasked.
“Theywouldn’ttellmethat.”Dylan’seyesglinted.“WhatShifterwould

betrayus?”

Ellisonshrugged.“Onepissedoffforsomereason.AtotherShifters,orat

you.Broderickspringstomind.”

“Hesprangtomymindtoo.I’llbehavingatalkwithhim.”Dylan’sIrish

accentmadethewordssoundcasual,butJaceheardthesteelbehindthem.

“Ifthey’regoingdoor-to-door,whatabouttheworkshop?”Jaceasked.
Dylanshookhishead.“Theyhaven’tfoundityet.Lielowhere,andI’llsend

foryouwhenit’sclear.Ifitis.”DylanlookedJaceupanddown.“Wemight
wanttostoptheexperimentanyway.It’saffectingyou.”

“Agreed,”Denisaidquickly.
Jaceshookhishead.“No,we’llnevergettheCollarsoffbybeingafraidto

havethemoff.Iwanttokeepatit.”Itwastemptingtoturnhisbackonthe
agony,andSeanwithhissolderingiron,andrunforhome,butlearningallthey
couldabouttheCollarswastooimportant.Besides,Deniwashere.

“We’llsee.”Dylangavehimanotherhardlook.Jaceknewhisdisplayonthe

porchhadnotwonhimanyfavorsfromDylan,butJacehaddefinitelynotliked
DylantouchingDeni,eveninnocently.

“Whydidyouwantmetomeetyouatthefightclub?”Jaceaskedhim.“I

couldhavecometoShiftertownandwaitedforyou.”

Dylan’sfaceshuttered.“Forreasonsthatarenolongerimportant.Don’tleave

thishouseuntilIletyouknowit’sallright.Catchuponsleeporsomething.”
DylanglancedfromJacetoDeni.“Imeanrealsleep.”

Jacedidn’tbothertoanswer.Deniwentpink,butonlybecauseEllisonwas

rollinghiseyes.

***

EllisonagreedthatJacecouldstaydownstairsuntilDylangavetheallclear.
Safer,hesaid,incasethecopstriedtosurprisethem.Policehadbeenknownto
walkrightintoShifterhouses,therulesaboutwarrantsbeingalittlerelaxed
whenShifterswereconcerned.

DeniwasgladEllisonsharedherworryforJace,thoughEllisonwasabit

grumpyaboutit.FindingJaceandDeniinflagrantehadn’tbeenthehighlightof
hisday,hesaid.

“It’snotlikeI’venevercomehometoyouandMariainthelivingroom,”

Deniremindedhim.

Ellisongaveheraninnocentlook.“That’sdifferent.”
“Myass,”Denisaid,sendinghimasmile.
“Iknowitwas,andIdon’twanttoseeitagain,”Ellisonsaid.“OrJace’s.

Yetch.”

Atleasthewasteasingnow,evenifhewasannoyed.
WhenWillandJacksonreturnedhome—Jacksonworkedforamoving

companyandWillatawarehouse;humanslikedShifterstrength—Ellison
apprisedthemofthesituation.Maria,nowgrowingplumpwithEllison’sfirst
cub,washomebythattimetoo.Shewastakingclassesatacommunitycollege
inpreparationforenteringtheuniversitynextyearandspenttherestofherday
takingcareofShiftercubs.Mariahadlostthehauntedlookshe’dwornsince
she’dbeenrescued,andEllisonhadlosthislookofdeeploneliness.NowifDeni
couldjustlosehers.

Theyplayedvideogamesinthebasement,Jaceprovingtobeverygoodat

them.Will,whowasturningouttobeacomputergenius,hadahardtime

keepingupwithhim.

DeniworriedthatthegamesmightstartdrawingoutJace’sferalanger,but

theydidn’t.Maybeknowingitwasn’treal,onlypixelsonascreen,madea
difference.Deniwasneverupsetbythegameseither.Butthen,gameshadno
scent,notexture.Shiftersweremorestimulatedbythingsthatassaultedallthe
sensesatonce.

BythetimeWillandJacksonwenttobed,they’dexpressedmorerespectfor

Jace.Hemightbetwentyyearsolder,buthisknowledgeofgamesandcomputer
programminghelpedhimriseintheirestimation.

BeforeDenicouldstartarguingwithEllisonthatshewantedtostay

downstairsandsleepwithJace,Seanarrivedatthebackdoortotellthemthe
policehadgone,hadbeenforseveralhours.

“Butwewantedtowaituntilwewerecertain,”Seansaid,loungingagainstthe

kitchendoorframe,hisswordgleamingundertheporchlight.“Didn’twantthem
doublingbackandsayingjustfooling.”HeglancedatJace,whostoodbehind
Ellison,JaceconcedingEllison’splacetoguardthehouse.“Youreadyformore
torture,lad?”

“You’renotgoingtodomoretonight,areyou?”Deniaskedsharply.“Leave

Jacealone.Heneedstorest.”

“Liamwantstocontinueundercoverofdarkness,”Seansaid.“We’llleave

sleepingfortheday.Felinesaremostlynocturnalanyway,lass.”

“It’sallright,”Jacesaid.“Iwanttofinishthis.”Helookedlesscrazed—

maybegamingdidhaveagoodeffectonthemind.“Liam’swaitingthere?”

“Liam’satthebar,asusual,incasewhoeveriscallingintip-offsreportsany

out-of-the-ordinaryactivity.MeandDadwillbeworkingonyoutonight.Plusa
littleextrahelp.”SeanlookedatEllison.“LiamsaysyouandMariaaretogoto
thebar.Laughitup,talktoyourfriends,havefun.Youtoo,Deni.”

“Nope.”DenitookastepclosertoJace.“I’mgoingwithhim.YouMorrisseys

aretooeagertodigknivesintohim.Someoneneedstobetherewho’sonhis
side.”

Seanliftedbothhandsanddidn’targue.OfthetwoMorrisseybrothers—

muchalikewiththeirdarkhairandblueeyes—Seanwasthemoreeasygoing.If
DeniwantedtothrowherlotinwithJace,Seanwassaying,whowashetostop
her?

Ellisonwasn’thappytoletDenigototheworkshop,butMariatookDeni’s

side,sayingshewouldn’tletEllisongoaloneifshehadtomakethesamekind
ofchoice.Theladiesprevailed,toDeni’ssatisfaction.

Theyleftthehousetogether,EllisonandMariabreakingawaytowalktothe

bar,Ellison’sarmfirmlyaroundMaria’swaist.SeanandDeniputJacebetween

them,withJacewalkinginthehunchedmannerhe’dbeentakingon,thehoodof
hisjacketuptohidemostofhisface.

Denicaughtawhiffofastrangescentwhentheyapproachedtheworkshop’s

door,onethathadherhacklesrising.Thewolfinherwasgrowling,andshefelt
thebiteofnauseathatwasapreludetoherlosingherself.SheclutchedJace’s
arm,andhesteppedawayfromSeantoher.

“Whatisit,sweetheart?”
“There’ssomeone...”
“Iknow,”Jacesaid.“Ismellit.”
Itwasanacridodor,oneripewithancestralmemory.Seansaid,“Noworries.

Thatwillbethefather-in-law,”andheusheredtheminside.

ChapterEight

Jacesteppedintotheroomandfacedastrangeapparition.Atallman,sotallhe
lookedstretched,turnedtowardthem,ametallicwhispersoundingashemoved.
Hewasdressedinchainmail,whichwascoveredwithacloaksoblackitwas
likeanopeningintodarkness.Theman’shair,incontrast,waspalewhite,and
fellindozensofbraidspasthiswaist,buttheeffectwasn’teffeminate,norwas
heelderly.Theman’sfacewassharp,hisdarkeyesrivalinghiscloakforthe
deepesthueofblack.Heworeabroadswordonhisback,onelargerthanthe
SwordoftheGuardian,itshiltstickingupabovehishead.

Deniwasstillgrowling,andJace’ssnarlsfilledhisthroat.Anancientenemy

stoodbeforethem,andthoughJacehadseenthismanbeforeonothertripsto
Austin,theshockofhimbeingheremadehiswildcatalittlecrazy.

“YourememberFionn,”Seanwassaying.HeeyedJacewarily,asthough

readytostopJace’sattack.“Mymate’struefather.”

AndreaMorrissey,Sean’smate,appearedontheothersideoftheFae,

flankinghiminaprotectivemove.Andrea’sdarkheadwasup,hergrayeyes
daringJaceandDenitodoanythingagainstFionn.

AndreawashalfFae,halfShifter.Fionn,Jacehadbeentold,hadcometothe

humanworldfortyorsoyearsago,seekingrefugeduringsomeunknownFae
war.He’dmetandfalleninlovewithaShifterwoman,aLupine,who’dthen
borneAndrea.ForcomplicatedFaereasons,hehadn’tbeenabletostay,and
AndreahadbeenraisedbyhermotherandaShifterstepfather.Andreahadhadit
toughasahalfFaegrowingupamongShiftersandhadn’tmethertruefather
untilafewyearsago.NowAndreawasmatetotheGuardian,andnoone
hassledheraboutherorigins.Nottoherface,anyway,andneverwithinSean’s
hearing.

FionnhadprovedhimselftobeontheShifters’sideinmanycases,butthe

sightofaFaestillmadeJacewanttoshift,fight,andkill.TheFaehadcreated
thefirstShiftersmanycenturiesago,breedingthemtobefightingslaves.The
ShiftershadfinallybrokenawayfromtheirFaecaptors,stayinginthehuman
worldwhiletheFaeretreatedpermanentlytoFaerie.TheShifter-Faewarhad

endedsevenhundredyearsago,butstillShiftershadatoughtimeevenlooking
ataFae.

Jaceclearedhisthroat.“IassumeyoucametohelpwiththeCollars?”
Fionncurledhislip—Faewerealwayspronetosneering.“No,Icamefora

barbeque.Haven’tgotmyfillofTexasribs.”Heturnedhisdisdainfuldarkeyes
toSean.“WhyyouthinkIcanhelp,Idon’tknow.I’mawarrior,notamagician.
Idon’tknowanythingabouttheFaemagicintheseCollars.”

AndreaputherhandonFionn’sarm.Fionnsoftenedasheturnedtohis

daughter—theonlypersonJacehadeverseenFionnbeniceto.“Butyoumight
havesomeinsightintotheirconstruction,”Andreasaid.“It’sFaetechnologyas
wellasFaemagic.”

Fionnpattedherhand.“We’vehadthisdiscussionbefore.Idon’tknow

anythingaboutwhatFaedidwithShifters.ShifterswereoutofFaerie,neverto
return,beforeIwasborn.IcanseewhereShifterswouldhavebeenusefulin
battle,butIforonewouldn’twanttoputupwiththembetweenwars.I’dhaveto
cagethemuptokeepthemfromkillingme,andthey’dcostafortunetofeed.”

Denimadeagrowlingnoiseinherthroat.“GoodthingwewontheShifter-Fae

war,then.”shesaid.

“Yes,goodthing,”Fionnanswered.“Savedmealotofbother.”
AndreashotFionnafrown.“Sorry,myfatherenjoysbaitingShifters.He

thinksit’sfun.”

“Imaybelookingforamusementinthesituation,butIalsospeakthetruth,”

Fionnsaid.

FromwhatJaceunderstood,Fionnwasaformidablewarriorinhisworld,

leadingthearmiesofhisclaninvictoryoverotherFae,andpossessingalotof
power.OtherFaehadlearnednottomesswithhim.JacenotedthatFionnkept
hiseyeoneverythingintheroom,includingalltheexits,thehighwindows,and
anythingthatcouldbecomeaweapon.Hemightbeheretohelp,buthecouldn’t
stopbeingafighterbyinstinct.

Dylanopenedalockedcabinetandremovedasilverandblackchain.Jace

recoiledinside,andhefeltDenimoveclosertohim.EvenSeanshivered.This
wasatrueCollar,andDylancarriedittoFionn.

“We’relookingforthethirdelement,”Dylansaid.“Faemagic,computer

chips,andsomethingelse.”

FionntooktheCollargingerlybetweenhisfingers,heldituptohiseyelevel,

andscannedit.ThesmallcircleoftheCelticcrossglitteredintheharshlightof
barebulbs.

“Interesting.”Fionnranafingertipdownthelinks.“Silverandblacksilver,

whichisaFaemetal.Noiron.”Ifithadcontainediron,Fionncouldn’thaveheld

it—ironmadeFaesick,couldevenkillthemiftheyhadtoomuchcontactwith
it.FionnlookedtheCollaroveragain,frowning.“Sorry,Idon’tknow.My
experiencewithmetalsisconfinedtoswordsandotherbladedweapons.Not
jewelry.”

“Well,”Seansaid,lettingoutadisappointedsighasDylantooktheCollar

back,“let’sseewhatwecandotonight.”

HeunsheathedtheSwordoftheGuardianagainandlaiditonthetable.Jace

thoughtFionnwouldwalkout,backtothecircleoftreesthattookhimtoFaerie,
butFionnsettledhimselfagainstthewallnearAndreaandfoldedhisarms,ready
towatch.

“Youdidthatbefore,”JacesaidtoSean,sittingonastoolandtryingtostem

hisnervousness.“Tookouttheswordbeforewestarted.Why?”

Seanshrugged.“Ithoughtthemagicinitmighthelpfigureoutthemagicin

theCollars.Magicvibrationsorsomething.Theswordhasdonesome
interestingthings.”HeglancedatAndrea,whonodded.Thetwotogetherhad
performedamazingboutsofhealing,whenbothofthemhadbeentouchingthe
sword.

“Ready?”SeanaskedJace.
“No.Butlet’sdothis.”
DylanheldtheknifeLiamhadused,plusanelectricprobe,whileSeanstuck

withthesolderingiron.Jaceballedhisfists,settinghisteethagainstthecoming
pain.

Asoothingcoolnesscutthroughtheheatinhisbody,originatingatapointon

hiswrist.Openingeyeshehadn’trealizedhe’dclosed,JacesawDeni’shand,
tannedfromTexassun,restingonhisforearm.Shelookedathim,givinghima
littlenodandsmile,hergrayeyeswarm.AnansweringwarmthstirredinJace’s
heart,wrappingaroundhisnervesandbreakingthroughhisfearofthepain.

“Hurryup,Sean,”JacesaidwithouttakinghisgazefromDeni.“OtherthingsI

wanttodotonight.”

“Yougotit,lad.”SeanbroughtthesolderingironcloserasDylantouchedthe

electricprobetoJace’sCollar.

Avibratingbuzzwentaroundthechain,andthenJacefeltthenickofthe

knife.Theironheatedthesilver,andthesecondlinkLiamhadalreadyloosened
camefree.Dylanquicklyliftedathird,thenafourth.

Thepainwasthere,butnotasintenseaslasttime.Thatis,untilDylantriedto

loosenafifthlink.TheCollarsnappedbackahugearcthatjoltedDylan
backwardandshockedhotpainintoJace.Denijumpedaswell,caughtinthe
current,butshedidn’tletgoofJace.

Jacetriedtoclenchhisteethoverhisyell,tokeepquiet,buthisbodyhad

takenover.Darknessclampedhisbrain,andthroughithesawtheCollar,awhite
bandaroundhisneck,everynerveoutlinedwithfire.

Hisyellturnedtoascream.TheCollardidn’twanttoletgoofhim.Itclung

tightertoJace’sneck,thelinkDylanhadjustpulledofffusingagaintohisskin.

Jacefellfromthestooltothefloor,landingonhisknees,brutalpaintheonly

thinginhisworld.Everynervewascrackling,coldwashingthroughhim
followedbyheatsopowerfulheburnedfromtheinsideout.Hestartedtoshift,
buteverybitoffuremergingfromhisskinhurt,doublinghisagony.

“Jace.”Deni’svoicecutthroughthefog.Hertouchfelllikecoolwateronhis

burningskin.“Holdon.”

Jaceheardothervoices,toofaintandfarawaytobotherwith.“Shit.”“Andrea,

canyouhelphim,lass?”“Haveyoukilledhim?”cameFionn’sdisdain.“Well
done,Shifters.”

TheonlyimportantwordswerebreathedinDeni’svoice.“I’mhere,Jace.

Hangon.”

Jaceclungtohervoice,needingitswarmcadence.Hisbraincouldn’tformthe

syllablesofhername,butitdidn’tmatter.Heknewhertouch,herwarmthasshe
putherarmsaroundhim,onherkneestoo.Heknewherscent,thelow
sweetnessofhervoice,thesoftgrayofhereyes,whichwentalightergraywhen
hemadelovetoher.Jacetookalongbreath,takinginthegoodnessofher.

Thehurtingeasedtheslightestbit.Underneaththepain,thetightnessinJace’s

chestradiatedadifferentkindoftingling—itstillhurt,butwithoutthebrutal
sharpnessoftheCollar.

Jaceheldhisbreath,wonderingifthesecondpressurewaswhathethoughtit

was.Throughpaincameamazinghappinessandatthesametimedismay.Not
now.Nothere.Wrongtime.Wrongplace.

“Jace.”Thewordcutthroughhisagony.
Deni.ShewasDeni,lithe,beautiful.AndaLupine,forcryingoutloud.Their

kidswouldn’tknowwhethertobarkormeow.

“Helpme,”hecroaked.
Deni’swarmthcoveredhim,herbreastssoftagainsthisburningchest.“Hold

ontome.”

Shehadbothhishandsbetweenhers,herheadonhisshoulder.TheCollar

keptsparking,bitingintoheraswell.Shetookupthedregsofthepain,jumping
alittleasthesparksbitdeep.

AnotherfemalehandtouchedJace,thisoneinflictinganewkindofpain.His

nervesballedintooneplaceoffire,Jaceshoutingwithit,thenslowly,iteased.

Jacedrewalongbreathandopenedhiseyes.
Hefoundhimselfflatonhisbackinthemiddleofacircleoffaces—Andrea,

Sean,Dylan,Fionn,Deni.AndreahadonehandonthebladeoftheSwordofthe
Guardian,whichwashumming.Fionn’slong,thinbraidsbrushedJace’slegs,
Fionn’sconcernmixedwithcuriosityandfascination.

DeniraisedherheadandtouchedJace’sface,herlittlebraceletmakingafaint

jinglingnoise.Sheexhaledinrelief.

“Sorry,Jace,”Seansaid,hisvoicerumblingwithsympathy.“Youallright,

lad?”

Jaceopenedhismouthtosayhe’dlive,butnothingcameout.Hedroppedhis

headbackinexhaustion.

“Leavehimbe,”Denisaid,suddenlybrisk.“Sean,handmethatblanket.You

allhavetorturedhimenoughtonight.”

Sweetofhertotakecareofhim.Jacedidn’tmove—mostlybecausehe

couldn’t—andlethimselfenjoyDenidrapingathickblanketoverhimand
liftinghisheadinhercompetenthandtoslideacushionunderneathit.

Shestartedtogetherfeetagain,butJacegrabbedherhand.No.Stay.
Denicaughthisgaze,herownfilledwithpainandworry.Shegavehimanod

andsankdownbesidehim,foldingherlovelylegsunderher.

“Weneedtofindthelink,”Dylansaid.“Nousehalfkillinghimtryingtopull

anymoreofftonight.”

“Agreed,”Seansaid,soundingrelieved.
“Ifyoupullitoffallatonce,hegoesferal?”Fionnasked,soundinginterested.

Theliltingaccentinhisvoice,differentfromanyJacehadeverheard,madehim
starttogrowl.

“Aye,that’swhathappens,”Seansaid.“Haveseenitmyself.IftheShifteris

toofargone,hecan’tcomeback.Bestyoucandoiskillthepoorbugger.”

Jacegrowledagain.Deniheldhimtighterandkissedhislowerlip.“Iwon’t

letthem,”shesaid.

Jaceremainedstill.Hedidn’ttrusthimselfnottoattackeveryoneintheroom

ifhemoved,withtheexceptionofDeni.HemightevengoforAndrea,butonly
afterhesmackeddowntheFaewhostankuptheplace.

“Jaceneedstorest,”Denisaid.“Leavehimbe.”
“Iknow,”Seansaid,puttingahandonJace’sshoulder.Hequicklytookit

awayasJace’sgrowlturnedtoasnarl.“Youtakeaslongasyouneed,lad.We
won’tstartagainuntilyou’reready.”

“No,you’llfindyourselvesanothervictim,”Denisaidsharply.Shesatup,but

keptherselfbetweenJaceandtheothers.

“Notvictim,”Seansaid.“Volunteer.”
“IknowwhatIsaid.”Deniglaredatthem,Lupinedefianceinthefaceof

powerfulFelines.Whatasweetheart.“Leavehimaloneandfigureoutyour

problemwithsomeoneelse.Likeme,forinstance.I’malreadyhalfcrazy,soI
mightnotnoticethedifference.”

“No!”JacecameupoffthefloortofoldhimselfprotectivelyaroundDeni.

“No.”Hestillhadtothinkabouthowtoformwords.“Won’tletyou.Toomuch
pain.”

Denigavehimastartledlook,thenastubbornone.“Well,Iwon’tletthemput

youintoomuchpaineither.”SheswitchedherangerbacktoSeanandDylan.
“He’snotexpendable.”

BothSeanandDylantookastepaway,asthoughsensingsomethinghad

changedaboutDeni,andaboutJace.Andreaunfoldedtoherfeetandturnedto
thesinktorunsomewater.TheSwordoftheGuardianhadcutherhand.Brave
woman,sayingnothing.

“Interestinghowthefemaledefendsthemale,”Fionnsaid.“Faewomen,on

theotherhand,canturnontheirmeninaheartbeat,runningthemthroughand
joiningtheirenemiesiftheyfinditexpedient.Shifterfemales,Inote,willstick
withtheirmatesevenwhenthemateisdefeated.She’lldieforhim.”

“Isn’tthatwhatattractedyoutomymother?”Andreaaskedfromthesink.
Fionnwentsilentamoment,andwhenhespokeagain,thearrogancehad

gonefromhisvoiceandasadnoteenteredit.“Yes.Oneofthemanythings.”

“JaceandDeniaren’tmated,”Seansaid.HeslidtheSwordoftheGuardian

backintoitsscabbardandmovedtoAndreaasthoughdrawntoher.

Fionn’sarrogancereturned.“AndI’mconstantlyamazedathowdense

Shiftersareabouttheirownkind.”

“That’senough,Father,”Andreasaidfirmly.
JacepulledDenibacktohim.Hedidn’tcareanymoreabouttheCollars,about

freeingShifters,abouthelpingLiam.HewantedDeni—wantedtoburyhimself
inherandnotcomeout.Whethershefeltthesameabouthim,Jacedidn’tknow,
buthewouldfindout.Ifshedidn’tcareabouthim,ifhe’dsimplybeenawayfor
hertodefusepressure,he’dlethergo.

ThethoughtoflettingDenigomadehisferalsidewanttoburstoutagain.

Jacekissedhershoulder,drawinginherscentuntilitcalmedhimabit.

Thiswasthewrongtimeandplaceforamate-claim.Hewantedittobe

special,right,withhisfamilypresent,andhersaswell.Theywerefromtwo
differentShiftertowns,whichwouldbeaproblem,buttheycouldworkitout
somehow.

AftertheyfiguredoutthisstupidCollarsituation,Jacewouldgetofficial

permissiontovisitandmate-claimDeni.Denicouldalwaysturnhimdown,her
choice,butJacewouldtakesometimetopersuadeher.

Hewasbusythinkingoffunwaystodothepersuadingwhentheworkshop

ChapterNine

AnotherthingShifterscoulddo,ifFionnwassointerested,wasgalvanize
themselvestomoveswiftlywhenneedbe.DylanandSeanslidCollarsandtools
intohidingplaceswiththesmoothnessoflongpractice,quicklyplacingthehalf-
finishedwoodworkingprojectsonthetables,scatteringabouttoolsandused
sandpaperasthoughawoodworkerhadabsentlythrownthemdown.

SeanandAndreadepartedwithoutmuchofagood-bye,headingtowherever

they’dprefertobefound.DenihelpedJaceupfromthefloor,hertouchtheonly
thingkeepinghimfromrushingoutthedoortoconfrontthecopsandkeepthem
awayfromher.

“Wherearethey,Connor?”Deniwasasking.“IneedtogetJacebacktomy

house.”

Connorshookhishead.“Notime.Toomanycopsbetweenhereandthere.”
“IcanhidetheShifter,”Fionnsaid.Hewasthecalmestofall,asthoughthe

situationwasonemoreinterestingtidbitinhisobservationofhumansand
Shifters.“Idon’twanthumanstofindmeeither.”

“Hidemehow?”Jaceasked,everynervealineoffire.“Idon’ttrustFae.”
“Verywiseofyou,”Fionnsaid.“Faearetreacherousbastards,everysingle

oneofus.Ishouldknow.Comewithmenow,orendupinacagetobepokedat
byhumans.Yourchoice.”

“Go.”Denikissedhischeek.“Dylanwilltakecareofme.”
Dylan,thepowerfulalphaFelinewholikedtohugDeni.Jacewouldrather

caveinDylan’sfaceandpullDeniwithhimtowherevertheFaewastakinghim.
ButputtingDeniundertheFae’spowerwasn’twhathewantedeither.Jace
huggedhisarmsoverhischest,hisinstinctstearingthroughhim,warringwith
hiscommonsense.Itwashellgoingferal.

“Now,”Fionnsaid.Hedidn’ttouchJace,asthoughheknewJacewould

attackhimifhedid,buthisvoicegalvanized.Jacecouldwellbelievethisman
wasageneral.

JacecaughtDeniaroundthewaist.Hergrayeyeswerelarge,filledwithfear,

butbehindthefear,Jacesawhermatingfrenzyansweringhis.Hekissedher,

savoringthetasteofherwarmlips,thenhecuppedhercheek,pulledonhis
jacketagain,andfollowedFionnintothenight.

***

“Andyouare?”thefemalepoliceofficeraskedDeni.Thewomanworea
bulletproofvestandariothelmetandcarriedtwopistols,whilehermale
counterparthadapistolandatranqrifle.They’dcomepreparedtodobattle
againstShiftersifneedbe.TheyfoundmostShifterspeacefullycookingout,as
SeanwasdoingbehindLiam’shouse.

“DeniRowe.”DenihandedthefemalecopherIDcard,whicheachShifter

hadtoupdateeveryyear.“Sameaslasttime,”shecouldn’thelpadding.Both
theseofficershadbeeninthegroupthathadcometoDeni’sandEllison’shouse.

“Hmm.”ThefemaleofficerpeeredatDeni’sID,shiningablacklightonit,

pretendingshewasn’tnervous.DylanstoodbehindDeni,notwantinghertoface
thecopsalone.Dylansaidnothinganddidn’ttrytointerfere,butDylancould
unnervemosthumans—nottomentionmostShifters—simplybystandingthere.
Boththemaleandfemaleofficerweresweatingunderhisscrutiny.

“Seemsokay.”ThefemaleofficerhandedthecardbacktoDeni.“Nice

bracelet,”shesaid,glancingatthegoldchainonDeni’swrist.

“Itwasmymother’s,”Denisaid.ShetuckedtheIDintothebackpocketof

hershorts.

“Looksexpensive.”Shiftersweren’tallowedtowearcostlyjewelry,and

shouldn’tbeabletoaffordtobuyit.

“Handeddownthroughthefamily,”Denianswered.“Ihavephotosofmy

motherandmygrandmotherwearingit,ifyouwanttoseethem.”

“Hmm.”Anotherskepticalsound.“Where’stheotherguy?TheoneIsawyou

withbefore?”

Deniprayedthesetwoweren’tgoodatreadingbodylanguageasshe

answerednonchalantly,“Ellison?He’smybrother.He’satthebarwithhis
mate.”

“Imeantheotherone.Thedrunkoneyouwerewithatthe...ceremony.”
Damnit.“Idon’tknow,”Denisaid.ShetookastepbacktoDylan,putting

herselfintotheradiusofhiswarmth.“I’mwithDylantonight.”

Denismiledatthefemalecop,asthoughwillinghertounderstand.Ifhumans

likedtobelieveShifterwomenwerepromiscuous,Deniwoulduseittoher
advantage.Thefemaleofficer’slookturnedtodisgust,butDenididn’tcarewhat

thiswomanthoughtofheraslongasJacewassafe.

BothcopslookedDylanandDenioverandexchangedknowingsmirks.

They’dseenDylanwithGloryatthefightclub.TheymustthinkShiftertown
wasonebigsexfest.

DylanputhisarmaroundDenianddaredthemtosayanything.Thecopsall

butsnickeredastheymovedofftowardanothersetofShifterswalkingonthe
darkstreet.

“Sorry,”DenisaidinalowvoicetoDylan.
Dylansqueezedhershoulder.“You’regoodatthinkingonyourfeet.Nothing

tobesorryabout.”Anothersqueezeofreassurance,thenhelethergo.“Butlet’s
don’tmentionthistoGlory.”

Denismiled.“Nofear.”
“Shewouldunderstandeventually,butit’sthe‘eventually’thatwouldbe

uncomfortable.”Dylansentheroneofhisraresmiles.“Let’sgohavesome
barbeque.”

Theyhadto,tokeepuptheverisimilitude.DenionlyhopedJacewassafe,and

thatthehalf-crazedwolfinsideherwouldn’tmakeherbreakawayfromDylan
andracearoundShiftertownuntilshecouldfindandprotecthimagain.

***

“SothisisFaerie?”Jacewrinkledhisnoseatthesmell.“Idon’tlikeit.”

“Asmydaughterwouldsay...Suckitup.”
ShiftershadleftFaerieforeversevenhundredyearsago,notthatthey’dever

embraceditashome.Thoughthey’dbeencreatedhere,Shiftershadcultivateda
healthyloathingoftheplace.

JacehadfollowedFionntoagroveoftreesbetweenthebackyardsofShifter

houses.Intheglowofthefewstreetlights,he’dseenpoliceofficerswalking
fromhousetohouse,andpatrolcarsandvanscreepingalongthestreets.

Thedarknessinthegroveoftreeshadbeendeep,inky.Amistrosefrom

nowhereinthemiddleoftheringoftrees,onethatsmelledacridtoJace.A
tinglinghadbeguninJace’sbrainthathadhimsnarling,hisclawscomingout,
beforeFionnhadgrabbedhimandshovedhimintothemiddleofthemist.

Jacehadblinked,thetinglingdying,andfoundhimselfinanotherringof

trees,theseold,towering,anddamp.Hisbootssquishedinmudcoveredwith
graygreenweedsanddeadleaves.ThethicktreesranasfarasJacecouldsee,
thelandwet,dank,andmuddy.

“Boring,”Jacesaid.“Nowondermyancestorschosetoliveinthehuman

world.”

Fionnmadeanimpatientnoise.“Thisisonlyonetinycornerofonewoodsin

Faerie.Ilivemilesfromhereinavalleythatwouldputanythingfoundinyour
worldtoshame.Mountainsreachingtotheskies,snowcapsburnishedbythe
sun,meadowsofgrasssogreenitmakesyouweep,andpackedwithwildflowers
ineverycolor.Mygardenisdesignedtorunrightintothemeadows,soit’sas
thoughIstepintoparadiseeverytimeIwalkoutmydoor.Mymanorhousehas
marblefloors,andwallsveinedwithFaegold,whichhumanshaveneverseen—
andneverwill.FaegoldisrareevenfortheFae.Humanswouldkilleachother
—andFae—overit.”

“Wallsveinedwithgold,”Jacesaid.“Nooverkillthere.”
Fionnstartedwalkingintothetrees,ignoringhim.“WhenIcometothisarea,

however,Iliveroughinatent.Thisway.”

“Waitaminute.”Jacejoggedtocatchupwithhim.TheFae-manwasfast.

“Howdoyouknowwherethegateway,orwhateverthatwas,is?Allthesetrees
lookalike—andsmellalike—tome.”

Fionndidn’tlookback.“Thenyou’dbetterstickwithme,hadn’tyou?”
Great.“HowdoIknowyou’renotleadingmetoFaewarriorswithbigswords

who’dloveaShiftersnowleopardheaddecoratingtheirfireplace?”

“Youdon’t,”Fionnsaid.“Youhavetotrustme.”
“Thanks.Ifeelsomuchbetter.”
ItwasthenthatJacenoticedhedidfeelbetter.Theferalrestlessnesshadeased

fromhim,thepainofhisCollarlessening.Whenheputhishandtohisneck,he
stillfeltthesoreness—didheever—butthecertaintyhe’ddropdeadanysecond
hadgone.

Fionnledhimaroundthreegigantictreesgrowingclosetogetherandstopped

infrontofapavilion.Tent,Fionnhadcalledit.Ballroom-sizedlivingspace,Jace
wouldtermitinstead.

HefollowedFionninside,thoughhisShifterinstinctsdidnotwanthimto.

Theinteriorofthepavilionwasaslavishastheexterior.Ithadbeendividedinto
roomsbytapestrieshungfromsolidrods,andcarpetedwithrugsthatlookedas
thoughtheyweremadeofwovensilk.Lowcouches,chairs,andtableswere
scatteredeverywhere,andalargebrazierburnedwithafirethatcutthedamp.

“Youcallthislivingrough?”Jaceasked,turninginacircle.Everywherehe

sawlight,color,andshimmeringtexture.

“You’vebeenlivinginhumanrejectstoolong.Thisiswhatyoucouldhavein

Faerie,andmuchbetterthanthis.”

“NotasaShifterslaveIcouldn’t,”Jacepointedout.

“Possiblynot.ThoughIdon’tkeepslaves.AnyShifterswholivedinmy

realmwouldbefreetocomeandgoastheypleased.”

Afair-mindedFae?“Goodtoknow,”Jacesaid.
“Ican’tspeakforotherFae,though,”Fionnsaid.“Soifyouwentoutsidemy

territory,yes,you’dprobablyendupaslaveoramantelpiecedecoration.”

“You’resocomforting.”
“Wine?”Fionnpouredagolden,smoothlytricklingliquidintoacup.“BestI

cangetouthere.Thegoodstuffdoesn’ttransportwell.”

NeverdrinkanythingofferedbyaFae.TheoldtalesaboutFae,passeddown

byShifters,ranginJace’shead.Hisdadusedtotellhimthestories,ashadAunt
Cass.Jacesaidnothing,butcouldn’tstophimselffromtakingastepback.

Fionnlaughed.“You’resuperstitious.Butprobablywise.IknowFaewhotry

todrug,poison,orspelleveryonetheymeet.You’reluckyI’mnotinterested.IfI
wantsomeoneundermythrall,I’lltakeovertheirterritoryandletthemchoose
betweenfollowingmeorbeingputtothesword.”

“Whataniceguy,”Jacesaiddryly.Fionnheldoutthecup,butJaceshookhis

head.EvenifFionnprovedtobetrustworthy,Jacecouldn’tbecertainwhatFae
winewoulddotohissystem,especiallyastraumatizedasithadbeenlately.
Fionnshrugged,liftedthewinecuptohislips,anddraineditscontents.

Jacelookedaroundthelushlivingquarters,againreflectingthathefeltmuch

better.Hewasafraidtopursuewhy.IflivinginFaeriewastheonlywaytostop
ShifterswhohadtheirCollarsremovedfromgoingferal,he’drathertakehis
chancesbeingferal.

“Sotellme,”Jacesaid,asFionnpouredhimselfmorewine.“Ifthisismoreor

lessthearmpitofFaerie,whydoyoucomeouthere?”

Fionnloweredhiscup.Whenhespoke,hisvoicewassofter.“Tobenearmy

daughter.”

“Oh.”
Fionnraisedhisbrowsanddrankdeeplyagain.“Yes,Iamthatmaudlin.ButI

hadtogiveupAndreaformorethanfortyyears.Iwanttospendasmuchtime
withherasIpossiblycan.Andmygrandson.”

“Igetthat.”
Thehard-facedwarriorsuddenlylookedmucholderandmorevulnerable.

“That’swhyIconqueredthispartofFaerie.SoIcouldseeherwithoutanyone
beingthewiser.I’malonenow,butAndreamakeslifeworthliving.”

“Youoldsoftie,”Jacesaid,grinning.
“Iam.Iadmititwithoutshame.Makeyourselfcomfortable,Shifter.This

mighttakesometime.Dylanwillsendwordwhenthewayissafe.”

***

Denididn’twanttoeat,butshemanagedtochokedownaburgerSeanprepared
forher,madewithsautéedmushroomsandHavarticheese,whichDeniloved.
Mouthwateringgoodness,buttonight,Denihadnoappetite.

ThepolicestillroamedShiftertown.They’dinterrogatedtheShiftersin

Liam’syard—includingDeni,again—andnowtheywanderedtheblocks.

Deninoticedthatthey’dleftthecubswho’dgatheredatLiam’salone.Alarge

numberofcubshadfoundtheirwayhere,sentbytheirparentsforsafety,and
nowtheysatontheporchanditssteps,devouringSean’sburgers.Spike’scub,
Jordan;Olafthepolarbear;theolderbeargirlnamedCherie;LiamandKim’s
littlegirl,sittingonKim’slap;andothersfromaroundthetown.Andreacarried
hersonandhelpedKimlookafterthekids,butmostlythecubshadbeensent
herebecauseofTiger.

Thepolicehadn’ttalkedtoTigermuch,leavinghimandTiger’smate,Carly,

prettymuchalone.Theyhadn’tgonenearthecubsatall,becauseTigerhad
positionedhimselfbetweenthepoliceofficersandthecubsontheporch.The
officers,aftertakingonelookatTiger,hadseemedtotacitlyagreetostopeven
lookingatthekids.

Thecopsmighthavethebadges,armor,guns,andauthority,Denireflected,

butinthiscornerofShiftertown,Tigerhadthepower.Thepoliceseemedto
knowit,justassmallanimalsknewtheywerepreyforthecatthatstrolledby,
evenifthecatwasn’tattacking.They’dfeelbetteroncethecatwasgone,and
theycouldduckinsidetheirholesagainforsafety.

Evenafterthepolicefinallylefttheyard,Tigerremainedonguard.Thehuge

manwithblackandorangehairunnervedeventheShifters.Theonlyadulttruly
comfortablewithhimwasCarly,aTexasgirlwithhoneybrownhairwho
wrappedherhandsaroundTiger’sbigarmandsmiledupathim.Shewasjust
beginningtoshowherpregnancy,andthelookTigergaveherwarmedDeni’s
heart.Thosetwohadfoundlove.KnowingwhatTigerandCarlyhadgone
through,Denifeltalickofhopethatshetoocouldfindhappiness—evenwith
theFelineShifterwhowasrightnowhidingoutinFaerie,andwhocouldn’t
legallybeinherShiftertown.

“He’llhavetogo,”DylansaidtoSeannottwofeetawayfromDeni.
Deniturnedtothem,notbotheringtopretendnottolisten.Iftheyhadn’t

wantedhertohear,Dylanwouldn’thavesaidanythingwhileshewasstanding
soclose.

Sean,turningburgerswithtongs,nodded.“We’llhavetotryagainlater.”

TheyweregoingtosendJacehome,whilehewashalf-crazedwiththe

partiallyremovedCollar,andwaitforwhoknewhowlong.Sheopenedher
mouthtoargue,butDylanshookhishead.

“YouknowI’mright,Den,”Dylansaid.“Wecan’triskthatthecopswon’t

starttakingrollcallinallShiftertowns.I’llgethimhomeassoonasI’mable.”

Deninodded.True,JacewouldbesaferathisownShiftertown,wherehehad

hisfatherandfamilytotakecareofhim.ButDeni’sheartfeltlikeastoneinher
chest,andherfoodtastedlikedust.

Shesettheplatedown,noddedatSeanandDylan,andwalkedinadaze

towardtheporchandthecubs.DeniwishedEllisonandhersonswerehere—she
neededtowrapherselfinherfamilytoeasethesuddenpain.

Andreaseemedtosenseherneed.ShehandedherlittleboytoKimandmet

Deniintheyard,pullingherintoahug.

“Iknow,”Andreasaid.“Isawitinyoureyeswhenyoulookedathimtonight.

Don’tworry.I’lltellLiam,andwe’llmakeitsoyoucanseehimagain.”

Andreawassweet;shetrulywas.Andreaherselfhadbeengivenspecial

permissiontomovefromaColoradoShiftertowntothisone,whichprovedit
couldbedone,butshe’dhadtojumpthroughmanyhoopstodoit.Deniknew
shecouldseeJaceagain,butitwouldbetough,andbothLiamandJace’sfather
wouldhavetobeconvincedthatitwasnecessaryforeitherJaceorDenitomove
permanently.

AndreareleasedDeni,givingherareassuringsmile,andreturnedtotheporch

tolifthercubfromKim’slap.Thelookofjoysheturnedonhersonsqueezed
Deni’sheart.

“Don’tlethimgo.”
Denijumpedandswungaround,herwolf’ssensessendingherintoa

defensivecrouch.Tigerhadmovedtohersideinthatstealthywayhehad,and
nowhestoodrightnexttoher,alone,hisbulkfillingthespaceAndreahad
vacated.

“Tiger.”Denistraightenedupandclenchedherhands.“Don’tdothat.”
“YoushouldnotletJacegohome,”Tigersaid.“Keephimwithyou.”
“Ican’t,”Denisaid.“Hedoesn’tbelonghere,andiftheycatchhim...”
Tigershookhishead.Hereachedouthishand,carefully,andtouchedtheair

infrontofDeni’schest,asthoughhesawsomethingthere.Denifeltthewarmth
insideher,thetinglingneedshe’dbeenpretendingnottonotice.“Youhaveit,
don’tyou?”Tigersaid.“Don’tletitgo.”

Deniswallowed.Ifsheadmittedthematebondrightnow,she’dfallina

crumpledheapandbeginweeping.“I—”

“Tiger,honey,”Carlystrolledtohimandlacedherhandsaroundhisarm

ChapterTen

WhenJaceemergedfromFaerieintothegroveoftreesinShiftertown,itwas
dawn.Shiftertownwasquiet,thenocturnalShiftershavingturnedintosleep,the
oneswholivedbyhumanschedulesnotupyet.

Dylanmethim.Dylan’sfacewascoveredwithnew-growthbeard,andlines

haddeepenedabouthiseyes.Hehadn’tsleptallnight.

TimemoveddifferentlyinFaerie,FionnhadtoldJace,sometimesslower,

sometimesfaster.Jacehadspenttwiceasmanyhoursthereasthetimehad
movedhere.Scary.WhatifhepoppedintoFaerieoneday,livedaweek,and
cameouttofindeveryonelongdead?OrheagedinFaeriewhileDenihadlived
onlyoneday?Tooweirdtocontemplate.ThesolutionwasnottogotoFaerie
again,whichwasfinewithJace.

Hestillfeltbetter,evenwiththeCollar’slooselinkschafinghim.He’dhave

tofigureoutwhyheseemedtohaverecoveredfromhisneedtogoferal,andif
whateverhediscoveredcouldhelpwithremovingtheCollars.

ThepolicehadgivenupharassingtheShiftersandgoneagain,Dylansaid,but

therewasnotellingwhenthey’dbeback.BestJacegohome,tohisown
Shiftertown.Jacecouldn’targuewithhisreasoning,thoughleavingmeant
leavingDeni,andthatthoughtthreatenedtomakehisferalragereturn.

Fionnhadn’taccompaniedJace.DylantoldJacetowaitforhimthere,while

hearrangedtransportationtotheairstrip.Hewalkedaway,leavingJacealone.

Notforlong.AssoonasDylanleftthegrove,Denihurriedintoit.
Jacesaidnothing,onlyopenedhisarms,andDeniranstraightintothem.Jace

caughtherup,turningaroundwithher,holdingherhard,breathinginher
warmth,herscent.

“Idon’twantyoutogo,”Denisaid.ShecurledherhandsagainstJace’schest,

wherehisheartwaspounding.

“Idon’twanttogoeither.”
Theirmouthsmet,lockingtogether,heatjoiningheat.Jacedrankherhungrily,

imbibingherspice.Helickedthecornerofhermouth,andmovedonehandto
herlushbreast.

“Den,”hesaidsavagely,“Ihaven’t...Findingyou...”
Isalltheworldtome,Denifinishedinsideherhead.Iwasdrowning,farfrom

shore.Andthenyoucame.

“Tigertoldmenottoletyougo,”shewhispered.
Jaceliftedhishead,hisgreeneyesdark.“Ihaveto.Iftheyfindme,itwillbe

badforeveryonehere,notonlyme.”

“Iknow.Iknow.”
“Ican’tletyougethurtbecauseofme.”Jacetracedhercheekwithafirm

thumb.“ButI’llfixthis.I’llfindawaytocomebackassoonasIcan.”

Deninodded,tearsfillinghereyes.Noreasontocry,shetoldherself.This

wassmart,andhe’djustpromisedtocomebackforher.

SheheardTiger’sgruffvoiceinherhead.Don’tlethimgo.
EveryoneknewTigerwasalittlenuts,buthe’dlookedatDeniasthoughhe

couldseethethreadsofthematebondaroundherheart.Hewastellingherto
latchontothebondandnotletgo,damntheconsequences.ButDenineededto
besensible.Iftheydideverythingbythebook,askingforofficialpermissionfor
Jacetomovehere,orsheandhersonstogowithhim,thenthehumanscouldn’t
legallykeepthemapart.Butpermissionwasdifficulttoobtain—thehuman
governmentmightdenyitforanynumberofreasons,andthenitwouldbemore
difficultforJaceorDenitosneakawaytobetogether.

“Youcouldalwayshidehereuntiltheygettiredoflooking,”Denisaid,

thoughwithoutmuchhope.

Jaceshookhishead,pressinghercloser.“Dylan’sright.Thepolicemightstart

checkingtheotherShiftertowns.Mydadcan’tcoverformeforlong.”

“Iknow.”Hiswordsmadesense,butDeni’sheartached.Shetriedtosmile.

“Thenexttimeyoucome,we’lltakemymotorcycleoutononeofthebackroads
andseewhatitcando.We’llopenitup—justusandthewind.”

“Yeah.”Jacecuppedhercheek.“Thatsoundsgood.”
Theykissedagain,mouthsseeking,needy,eachofthemholdingontight.

DenimemorizedJace’sscentandhisgoodness,histaste,hishardbodyagainst
hers.Hewaslarge,strong,whole,theanswertoheremptiness.

Frombeyondthem,Dylanclearedhisthroat,thesoundrollingfromtheedge

ofthegrove.Jacebrokethekiss,liftingslowlyawayfromDeni.Hisgreeneyes
heldanguish.“Ihavetogo.”

“Wait.”Denifumbledwiththecatchofherbracelet,anold-fashionedclasp.

Thebracelethadbeeninherfamilyforsolong,noonerememberedwhereithad
comefrom.ShetookoffthebraceletandpresseditintoJace’shand.“Keepthis
forme.Bringitbacktome.”

Jacestartedtoshakehishead.“It’sspecialtoyou,Icantell.”

“Itis.ButifIknowyouhaveit,thatwillbespecialtoo.”
Jacehesitatedanothermoment,thenheclosedhisfingersaroundit.“I’llkeep

itsafe.Ipromise.”

Deninodded.Shesteppedbackfromhimandclaspedherhands.“The

Goddessgowithyou.”

“No.”Jacereachedforheroncemore,hisarmscominghardaroundher.

“That’swhatyousaytosomeoneyou’llneverseeagain.”

Hiskisswasfierce,wild.DeniheldontoJaceandkissedhimbackwithas

muchforce,herheartpoundingandaching.

AtlastJaceeasedaway,andDenimadeherselflethimgo.Jacelaidhishand

onherchest,betweenherbreasts.

“Bewell,myheart,”hesaid,thenheturnedandwalkedaway,following

DylanintotheTexasdawn.

***

TherewasnoquestionofDenicomingwithJacetotheplane.Jaceunderstood—
thefewerShifterswholeftShiftertownthebetter.

JacehunkereddownwithabunchofjunkinthebedofDylan’ssmallpickup,

andDylantiedatarpoveritall.ThenDylandroveoutofShiftertownwithout
ceremony,headingeastalongtheBastropHighway.

Afteralongtime,Dylantookaturnoffthemainroad,pulledover,andlifted

thetarp.Theroadwasdeserted,andJaceclimbedout,stretchinghiscramped
limbs.DylanwouldleaveJaceheretowaitforahumanmantocomebywho
wouldtakehimtherestofthewaytotheairstrip—they’ddonethisonJace’s
previoustripsaswell.SaferforallconcernedifaShifterwasn’tspotteddriving
outtoanabandonedairfield.

“Bewell,”Dylansaid,claspingJaceinabriefbuttighthug.“I’llworkon

thingsfromhere.”

Jacenoddedhisthanks,joggedintothetallgrasses,andcroucheddown,

hidinghimself,towait.Dylangotbackintohistruckanddrovesmoothlyaway
beforeanyothervehiclescamedowntheroad.

Jacedidn’twaitlong,thoughitfeltlikeforeverashelayinthedew-laden

grass.Anotherpickup,whichwasdrivenbyoneofthemenhe’dseenthistripat
thelandingstrip,sloweddownandwaitedforJacetoclimbinsidethecab.

Fifteenminutesandanunpavedroadlater,Jacewasbackattheairstrip,

boardingthesmall,oldcargoplaneamannamedMarloflew.Marlohadlong

agoworkedforverybadmen,transportingthingsforthemfromMexico,buthad
givenitup.NowhesmuggledShiftersanywhereinthecountrytheywantedto
go.

“Let’sgetupintheair,”Marlosaid,usheringJaceupthelittlestairintothe

bodyoftheplane.“Thewindisgettingbad.Wanttogetoutofthissystem.”

ToJace,theskywasclearandbeautiful,onlyalittlebreezestirringthe

grassesaroundthem.Butpilotsspokeadifferentlanguage.Jacestowedhis
backpack,thentookthecopilot’sseatinthecockpit.Hedidn’tknowhowtofly,
butMarlotendedtotalkalotonthetrips,andJacealwaysfeltbetterifMarlo
facedforward,lookingathisinstruments,thanifheconstantlyturnedaroundto
yellatJaceintheback.

Marlodidhischecks,startedup,checkedsomemoreinstruments,wavedat

thegroundcrew,andtaxiedouttothegrown-overairstrip.Thetwomenatthe
tinyshedwavedback,thenreturnedtothepickupthathadbroughtJaceand
droveaway.

Marlospedtheplanedownthelittlerunway,bouncingoverruts,thenlifted

offwithoutmuchofabump.Theplanefloppedaroundalittleastheyclimbed,
buffetedbythewindsMarlohadmentioned,butsoontheywererunningina
fairlysmoothlayerofair.ThecityofAustinspreadouttothenorthofthem,
huggingtheriveranditshills,therivercountryrecedingtoastreakofvivid
greenintheotherwisedryTexasbrown.

Jaceopenedhishandandstudiedthebraceletrestinginhispalm.Delicate,yet

strong,likeDeniwas.Herubbedhisthumboverthesmoothgold,determinedto
seehersmileathimwhenhebroughtitbacktoher.

Hegrowled.Jacealreadymissedherlikecrazy,andthewildcatinhimsnarled

athimforwalkingaway.Thetornskinonhisneckhurtagain,thesoreness
makinghisbeastthatmuchangrier.WhatevermitigatingeffectsbeinginFaerie
hadgivenhimmustbewearingoff.

Interestingaboutthat.Jaceletthebracelettrickleoverhishandashethought.

MaybetheyshouldtrytakingofftheCollarsinsideFaerie.Thenagain,whatif
insideFaerieShiftersbehavednormallyandthenwentinsanewhentheywalked
outoncemore?

Jaceletoutasigh.He’dbeenfullofenthusiasmaboutremovingtheCollars

whenhe’dcometoAustin,butthingshadchanged.Henolongerwantedtorisk
himselfforwhatmightbe.Hehadsomethingtolosenow.IftheMorrisseys
wantedtoexperimentwiththeCollarssomuch,theycould,asFionnmightsay,
suckitup,andtestitonthemselves.

Hisgazereturnedtothebracelet,andheimagineditstillwarmfromDeni’s

wrist...

Theplanebouncedonce,hard,asthoughithadhitsomekindofairborne

speedbump.Marloshouted,“Whoa!”andgrabbedforthestickasdialsstarted
spinning.

“Whoa,what?”Jaceyelledovertheenginesthathadstartedtoroar.“Youcan

fixthat,right?”

“Shit,”Marlosaid.Headdedquickly,“Nothingtoworryabout—thishas

happenedbefore.Ineedtosetdown.Helpmelookforaplace.”

“Nothingtoworryabout?”Theplanewasheadingdownward,leavingJace’s

stomachbehind,everythinginbackbangingandclattering.Anotherbumpshook
theplane,whichnosedharderdownward.Thesmallairplanegaveaprofound
rattleandsmokepouredouttheleft-sideengine,flameslickingthewing.“The
engine’sonfire!”Jaceshouted.“Youcallthatnothingtoworryabout?”

“Thewindwillputitout.Helpmelook!”
“Aw,craponacrutch,”Jacesnarled.
Hewrappedhishandaroundthebraceletandheldithard,asthoughitwerea

linktoDeniherself.Goddess,Goddess,greatandgood,Jacebegantheritual
prayer,thengaveuptryingtorememberthewords.Helpme.Letmebewith
Deniagain.Ifeelthematebond,forcryingoutloud.

Thewarmthinhishearthe’dtoldhimselfhedidn’tyethavetimetothink

about,nowsuffusedhisbody.Sayinggood-byetoDenihadbeenoneofthe
hardestthingsJacehadeverdone.Jacehadbeenrippingouthisheartand
walkingawaybleeding,buthe’dmadehimselfdoit,believingleavingwasthe
rightthingtodo.

Thematebondmeantyougaveyourselftothatotherperson,bodyandsoul.

Youprotectedthem;theyhealedyou,andyouhealedthemwhiletheyprotected
you.Jacedidn’tknowifDenifeltthematebondforhim—sometimesboth
partiesdidn’tshareit—butherememberedthelookinhergrayeyesbeforehe’d
lefther.

Shehadtofeelit.They’dgrownfromacquaintancestoloverstomates

rapidly,butitoftenhappenedlikethatwithShifters.Shiftersformedthemate
bond,thentheygottoknoweachother—throughouttheirlong,happylives.

Andnow,withMarlofightingthistinybird,firewhippingaroundthewing,

andtheflatgroundofWestTexascomingupfast,Jacemightnevermove
beyondknowingthematebondhadsettledinhisheart.

Tigertoldmenottoletyougo.
Tiger,damnhiscrazy,stripedass,hadbeenright.Hemightnothavepredicted

this,specifically,buthe’dknownJaceshouldhavemadesurehestayednextto
Deniandfiguredthingsoutfromthere.

Somethingcuthispalm.Jaceopenedhishandandsawhe’dclutchedthegold

braceletsohardithadpressedintohisskin.

JaceclenchedthebraceletagainandshookhisfistatMarlo,theendsofthe

chainsdancing.“Fixthisdamnedthing.I’mtakingthisbacktoher.”

“Youarefuckingcrazy,Shifter.Ineedalandingstrip,orI’mnotfixing

anythingeveragain.”

“Shit,”Jacesaid.He’dbeenscanningtheground,butwhatdidheknowabout

goodplacestoputdownaplane?Thenhesawit,aflatstretchofland,unbroken,
adirtroadwithoutanoilwellattheendofit.Theywerelowenoughnowthat
hecouldseethewaywasn’tfullofrocksorhiddenwashes.“Whataboutthat?”

“Goodenoughforme.”
Theplanewasrattlingwithbone-jarringintensity,somethingpoppinginthe

backlikearowoffireworks.Jaceprayeditwasn’treallyfireworks.

Theroadcameatthem,Marlodesperatelypullingatthesticktoliftthenose

enough.Thewheelsweredown,atleast,becauseMarlohadneverpulledthem
up.

“Hangon!”Marloyelled.
Towhat?Jacebracedhimselfontheinstrumentpanel,tryingnottolookatthe

dialsgoingaroundandaround.

Theyhittheroadwithanupwardburstofdust,grindingitsothickitcoated

thewindows,blockingtheirvisibility.Thatwasfine,becausegrassandwhatever
hugeweedsthispartofthestategrewcameupoutofthegroundandbashedinto
them,windingaroundtheburningengineandspewingtheflamehigher.

Theplanehitsomethingandskiddedsideways,throwingMarloontopof

Jace,andwhippingJaceintothewindow.Thewindowcracked,andflameraced
inside.

Atthelastminute,Jaceyankedoffhisseatbelt,hauledhimselfoutofthe

chair,threwthealreadyunconsciousMarlotothebottomoftheplane,and
landedontopofhim.AroarofexplosionmetJace’sears,andthennothing.

ChapterEleven

Deniwasrestlessallmorning.Shetriedtoworkintheyard,neateningher
garden,butshefoundherselfstabbingthetrowelintothedirtagainandagainfor
noreason.Denithrewdownthetrowelandstrippedoffhergloves,dropping
themaswell.

Herarmfeltbareandstrangewithoutthebraceletsheworeallthetime.She

touchedherskintherebutsmiled.ThebraceletwassafewithJace.He’dcome
backtoher.

Still,shewasgrowlingbythetimeshereachedthehouse.Jacksonhadn’tbeen

scheduledtoworktoday,butWillnowgaveDeniagood-byehugandwentoff
tothewarehouse.

“Youallright,Mom?”Jacksonsaid,peeringatDeniaftertheywavedoffWill.
Jacksonlookedsomuchlikehisfather,hishairdarkinsteadoflightlikehers

andEllison’s,hiseyesalightershadeofgray.Denipulledhimintoahug,
feelingafloodofloveforhim.Butsherememberedwhenhermatehadbeen
dying,howthematebondhadpulledatherandsickenedher...asitwasdoing
now.

AreactiontoJaceleavingsoabruptly,shetoldherself.Nothingiswrong...
“I’mfine,”shesaid.
“It’sjustthatyoulookatlittlebit,youknow...”Jacksonfrownedinworry.

“Likeyoudowhenyoustarttogoferal...”

Hetrailedoff,andnauseabitDeni,theworldspinning.ShegrippedJackson’s

shoulder.“No,don’tletme...”Forgetwhoeveryoneis,trytoattackmyown
children.Goddess,please!

Shesmelledastrong,malesmell,onedifferentenoughfromotherShiftersto

makeherwolf’shacklesrise.Denigrowledandspunaround,instinctively
steppinginfrontofJackson,protecting.

Tigerstoodattheedgeoftheyard,havingsuddenlyappearedasheusually

did.Denitookadeepbreath,willingherselftocalm.

“Youlethimgo,”Tigersaid.
Denishookherhead,thenauseastillchurning.“Ididn’thaveachoice.”

Hewaiteduntilshecametohim,notviolatingEllison’sterritory.Denifelt

herselfdrawntohim,though,asthoughsheneededtogotohim.Unnerving.

Tigerlethishandhoverafewinchesfromherchest,ashe’ddonelastnight.

“Somethingiswrong.”

Fearwashedcoldthroughher.“Howdoyouknow?”
“Thematebond.”Tigerclosedhisfingersoveremptyair.“It’stellingyou.”
ThelogicalDeniwantedtoargue,todeny.TheferalbeastinsideDeniknew.

Jacewasindanger.

Tigerpinnedherwithhisyellowstare,thenturnedaroundandwalkedaway.

Deni’sheartbeatfaster,andshealmostsnarledwhenshefeltJackson’swarmth
suddenlybehindher.

Sheblinked,Jackson’sworriedfacecomingbackintofocus.“I’mallright,”

shesaidtohim,drawingadeepbreath.“Ineedtomakeaphonecall.”She
hurriedintothehouse,foundhercellphone,andrushedacrossthestreetafter
TigertoaskforthephonenumberofEricWardenandhisson,Jace.

***

Thesnowleopardchokedontheblacksmoke,pawsscrabblingattheholeinthe
fuselagetofindair,anyair.Heburnedhimselfonthehotmetalandsnarled,but
heneededtogethisnoseoutoftheplaneandbreathe.

Morescrambling,usingShifterwildcatstrengthandhugeclawstotearinto

themetal.HiscatbrainreflectedthathavingsomeonelikeRonantheKodiak
beararoundwouldbeveryusefulrightnow,thenhewentbacktothetaskat
hand.Humanthoughtfled,andanimalonestookover.

Holewider.Heavefrombacklegs,wrigglespine,pullwithshoulders,

scrambleout.Jacelandedontopofthewreckage—onthesideoftheplanethat
hadtippedover—andtriedtotakeadeepbreath.Toomuchsmoke.Hehadtoget
away.

Theenginewasburningmerrily,andJace’scatnosesmelledfuel.Heneeded

torun,now.

Agroanmadehimturnback,hisclawsrakingagainstmetal.Ahumanlayin

thewreckage,aleanmanwithascragglybeardwhowasalittlebitsmelly.
Marlo,hisbrainremindedhim.

JacewasShifter.Hedidn’tneedahumanslowinghimdownandreturning

himtocaptivity.Nowwashischancetorun,tobefree,tofindaplacewhere
humanswouldneverhunthimdown.He’dgetwordtohismatesomehow,she’d

cometohim,andthey’dliveinblissfulsolitudeforever.

Anothergroan.Jace’searswentflatonhishead,hiscatinstinctstellinghimto

runandnotstop.Butheturnedandloweredhisbodybackintothewreck.

HefoundMarlotrappedunderapileofmetalandjunk,barelyalive.Jace

shovedatthedebris,tryingtoreachhim.SomethinginJace’sbraintoldhimto
shiftbacktohumansohecouldliftMarlo,buthisbodywouldn’tobey.Being
animalwasthebestwaytosurvive,soanimalhestayed.

Fireflaredhigh,andthetemperatureinthewreckdoubled.Thesmoke

thickened.Jacecouldn’tbreathe,couldn’tcough,couldnolongersee.Heputhis
moutharoundthebackofMarlo’sneckandheaved.

Thetroublewithhumanswastheyhadnoscruff.IfJacebitdowntoohard,

he’dsevertheman’sspineandkillhim.Notenough,andhewouldn’tbeableto
carryhim.

JacefinallygotadecentholdonMarlo’sneckandshirt,anddraggedhimout

fromunderthedebris.Withthelastbreathinhislungs,Jaceclawedhiswayup
throughtheholeagain,weighteddownbytheextrabody.HedroppedMarloon
topoftheplane,seeingthathe’dcutgashesintotheman’sneck.

OuthereJacecouldgethisbreath,butitwasstilltaintedwiththeheavy

smoke.Marlolayunmoving,andJacecouldn’ttellwhetherhewasbreathing.

Hegothisjawsaroundtheman’sshirtandneckagainandscrambledoffthe

wreckagetotheground.Oncehefeltthedirtunderhisfeet,heran,loping
almostsidewaysashedraggedMarlowithhim.Marlo’sfeetbump-bumpedover
thedryTexasgrasses.

Whentheywereaboutfiftyfeetfromtheplane,thefirecaughtthefuel’s

fumesandexploded.FirewashedoverJace,whothrewhimselfontopofMarlo.
Jacesmelledhisfurburninganddrewinalungfulofvolcanicair.Burningmetal
rainedaroundthem,sparkingonthedrygrass,whichobliginglycaughtfire.

Jacehauledhimselfup,knowinghewasonfire,anddraggedMarlodowninto

thesparserocksthatlinedashallowwash.Thewashwasdry,nowaterunderthe
blankbluesky,butitmightprotectthemfromtheflames.

JacedroppedMarloandrolledovertherocks,writhingdesperatelytogrind

outthefireinhisfur.Marlolayunmoving,bloodyandburned,buthedidn’t
smelldead.

Nowthathewasn’tburningaliveandcouldbreathe,Jacenoticedallthehurts

inhisbody,cutsfromcrawlingoutoftheplane,abrasionsandrawnessfrom
shieldingMarlo.Hisleftpawhurtlikehell,astingingpainthatmeanthe’dcut
himselfdeeply.

Jacerosestifflyfromhiscrouchinthewashandlookedaround.Theplane

burnedbyitselfinthemiddleofnothing.WestTexassprawledaroundthem,

emptyasfarasJace’sleopardeyescouldsee.Someonelikelyownedthisland,
maybeitwaspartofagiganticranch,butouthere,entirecountiesmighthave
onlyahandfulofhousesinthem.

Jaceshookhimself,achingallover,butheconsideredhimselflucky.He

hadn’tbrokenanythingasfarashecouldtell,andthoughchunksofhisfurhad
burnedoffandhisskinsmarted,hewouldheal.

Hisleftpawhurtlikehell,though.Thelastthingherememberedwas

clutchingDeni’sbraceletastheplanehittheearth.Jaceflexedthepadsofhis
emptypawandlookedbackattheburningwreck.He’ddroppedthebracelet.
Deni’sbracelet,whichhe’dpromisedtokeepsafeforher.No.

Hestartedtorunbacktowardtheplanebeforehisleopardbrainstoppedhim.

Letitgo.Thematebondwrappinghimwhimpered.Thatbracelethadbeenpart
ofher,andshe’dentrustedittohim.

Letitgo.Think.Survive.
Flee.
Jacewasfree.Nooneknewwherehewas.Whenhumanscametofindthe

plane,theywouldn’tevenknowhe’dbeeninit.He’dbeensmuggledgoods.
Shifters,includingDeniandhisfamily,wouldthinkhimdeadinsideit.Deni
wouldcry.Sowouldhisdad.

GriefbitatJace,butinhiscatform,survivalcamefirst.Hescannedthe

groundagain.Thefirstthinghenoticedwasacoyote,thin-leggedandmangy,
waitingtoseeifthetwofromthewreckwoulddie.Easierpickingsthanrabbits
thecoyotehadtochase.

Darkspecksappearedintheskyaswell,circlinghigherastheyspottedJace

lookingatthem.Turkeybuzzards,bigandblack,theyalsowaitingtosee
whetherthey’dfeasttoday.Thiswasthekill-or-be-killedwildouthere,norules
insight.

Jacesnarledandrushedatthecoyote.Theflea-bittenbeastsnarledinresponse

butfled.Notfar,though.OutofreachofJace’scharge,thecoyotestoppedand
waited.

Jacegrowledhischallenge.Inspiteofbeinghalf-burnedandthrownarounda

wreck,Jacefeltstrong,moresothanhehadinalongtime.Thepainofhis
Collarwascompletelygone,andinfact,hecouldn’tevenfeeltheCollarbiting
intohimanymore.Heshookhimselfagainandsatdowntolethisbackpaw
reachuptohisnecktoscratch.

Hestopped.Hisdelicatebacktoesdidn’tfindachain,burnedorloose,ortight

andwhole.Heswipedhisneckwithafrontpaw,withthesameresult.

Jacetoldhimselftoshift,tomakesure,andhewould—whenhecould

rememberhowto.Theleopardwantedtostayinthisform,soJacewasstaying

inthisform.

Hewrithedaround,tryingtofindtheCollarwitheachofhispawsinturn,

probablytotheamusementofthecoyote.Actually,thecoyotedidn’tcare—he
wassimplywaitingtoseewhetherJacewouldbefoodordanger.

No,wait—thecoyotehadvanished.Damnhim,he’dbeensneakingupon

MarlowhileJacewentthroughhiscontortions.Thecoyotedartedin,readyto
dragMarlo—orpiecesofhim—awaytohispack.

Jacewentforthecoyote.Earsup,pawsmovinginperfectrhythm,Jacerushed

thescavenger.Hedidn’tsnarlormakeanynoise—hedidn’thaveto.

ThecoyotebarelygotawayfromJace’sstrikingpaw.Jacecaughthistailwith

aclaw,causingthecoyotetoyelpandrun.Jacechasedhim,theleopardrejoicing
inthehunt,untilherealizedthatthebuzzardshadtakentheopportunitytoland
nearMarloandseeiftherewereanygoodpickings.

Jaceturnedandbarreledtowardthebirds,whoflappedawaywithslow

disdain.Hesnarledthistime,makinghisfurstandupsohe’dbelargeand
menacing.

HeknewforcertainthathisCollarwasgonewhenhefinallystoppedand

plantedhimselfnearMarlo.He’dbeenreadytokillthecoyoteandsavageits
body,andtheCollarhadn’ttriedtostophim.Jacehadmasteredthemeditation
technique,yes,butouthere,chasingawayscavengerswhiletryingtostayaway
fromaburningplane,hehadn’texactlybeenmeditating.

TheCollarwasgone.Completely.Itmusthavefallenoffinthewreckageor

whileJacehadbeendraggingMarloawayfromit.

ThatmeantthatsomehowintheburningmessthathadbeenMarlo’sairplane,

Jace’sCollarhadslippedoff,everylinkofit,withouthurtinghimandwithout
makingtheworldspinintoinsanity.

Jacesat,blinking,evenhisleopardrealizingtheenormityofit.Now,ifhe

couldshiftbacktohuman,findhiswayhome,andtrytofigureoutexactlyhow
ithadhappened,allShifterswouldbenefit.

Orhecouldstayinthewild.Forthefirsttimeintwentyyears,Jacewasfree.

NomoreCollar,nomorerules,noShiftertowns,justwind,earth,sky,andsmall-
brainedpredators.

Free,herepeated.
Theonlythingthatkepthistriumphantwildcatfromtakingoveranderasing

hishumanthoughtscompletelywasoneword:Deni.

Jacewouldfindherandfreehertoo.Thenhe’dliveouthislifewithher,the

mateofhisheart.Nooneinthiswidewildernesswouldbeabletoprevail
againstawolfandasnowleopard.HeandDeniwouldbefreetobealone
together,matesinthewild,asShiftersweremeanttobe.

Eveninthisvastplace,someonewouldhavereportedacrashingplaneby

now.Thehumanswouldbecoming.Jacedidn’tintendtoletthemfindhimhere.

HegrabbedMarlobytheshirt,draggedhimclosertotheburningwreckage,

whichwouldkeepthescavengersawayforawhile,thenturnedandlopedoff
intothetallTexasgrasses.Hispawstillhurthim,butthatwasaminor
inconvenience.

***

Erichadn’theardfromhissonallday,hetoldDeni,andJacelikelyhadhiscell
phoneoff.Ericwasworriedtoo,butMarlo’splanewasoldandslow.Itwouldn’t
landinLasVegasuntillateintheevening,butEricwouldkeephisearout.He
soundedplentyanxious,buttriedtocalmDeni’sfears,asagoodShifteralpha
should.

Liamtooreassuredher.Flyingundertheradartooktime,Marlooftenstopped

torefuelorlielowforafewhours.Marlohadacellphone,buthewasn’t
answeringeither,andhedidn’talways.

AfterLiamlefttoopenthebarintheafternoon,Denipaced,snappedat

everyone,andgotnothingdone.Anypatsonthebackorcalmingwordsonly
irritatedher.EricandLiamwereprobablyright—butTiger’swordsaboutseeing
somethingwrongwiththematebond,plusthetightnessinDeni’schestmadeher
halfcrazy.

EllisonleftforthebarafterLiam,tellingDeniandhismatethatLiamhad

calledatrackermeeting.Thatmeanttrackersonly—theShifterswhoworkedfor
Liamasbodyguards,investigators,orpeacekeepersasneedbe.Ronan,Ellison,
Spike,Sean,Tiger,andDylanmadetheirwaythere,leavingDenirestlessand
barelyincontrolofherself.

Atfive,shecouldn’tstanditanymore.Deniwalkedoutofthehouseand

downtheblock,makingherwaytothebarontheedgeofShiftertown.

Theparkinglotwasalreadyfull.Thisbarwasapopularstoponthewayhome

fromworkforhumanswholikedShifters.Groupieswerealreadythere,lounging
aboutsuggestively,waitingforShifterstocomelooking.Withthefightclubshut
downforawhile,thegroupieshaddecidedtopileonhere,itseemed.

ThehumanbartendershotDeniasharplookwhenshewalkedin.Theother

Shiftersalreadytherewerecagey,butwhenDeniaskedwhy,theydidn’thavean
answer.Theyknewsomethingwasup,buttheydidn’tknowwhat.Thetrackers
hadgoneintoLiam’sofficeandshutthedoor,theytoldher,thenallexceptLiam

andDylanhadcomeoutandleftthebar.Wherethetrackers,includingEllison,
hadgone,nooneknew.

DenihadnobusinessconfrontingLiam,whowasn’tinherfamilyandheld

plentyofrankoverher.Histrackermeetingmighthavenothingtodowithheror
Jace,orthepolice.ShitinvolvingShiftersandShiftertownhappenedallthe
time.

Oneofthegroupiegirlssatinaboothbyherself,talkingonherphone.And

talkingandtalking.She’dlookaround,andthenstarttalkingagain.Ifshewasn’t
talking,shewastexting.

Theyoungwomandidn’tlookmuchdifferentfromtheothergroupies.She

woreashort,skintightpinkdresswithmile-highblackheels,hadshortdyed-
blackhairthathadbeencutintocutewisps,andshe’dpaintedherfacewithcat’s
eyesandwhiskers.Heroutfitshouted,Comeandgetme,Shifter,Iliketopurr,
butherlooksandactionsspokeofextremenerves.

AfterDenihadwatchedhercovertlyforatime,sherealizedanotherthingthat

madethiswomandifferent.TheothergroupieswereeyeingShiftershungrily,or
sashayinguptothemwithoutshame.Mostgroupieswerefemale,asmanyofthe
Shiftershereweremale,butsomeyoungmalegroupieswereeyeingthemale
Shifters—andDeni—withthesamekindofinterest.

TheyoungwomanintheboothwasdoingherbestnottocatchanyShifter’s

attention.Whichmadenosenseifshedressedlikeagroupieandhungoutina
Shifterbar.

Denipickedupthebottleofbeerthebartenderhadslidtoherandcarriedit

withhertothebooth.Deniplunkedthebottleontothetableandsatdown
oppositetheyoungwoman.

Theyoungwomanjumpedasthoughstruckbysparks.Deniheldhergaze,the

girltryingtoevadehereyes.

“ThatShifteroverthere.”Denipointed.“Broderick.He’slookingforsome

action.”

WhetherBroderickwasornot,Denididn’tknow,buttheyoungwoman’s

reactionwastelling.Sheflinchedanddidn’tlookwhereDeniindicated.Infact,
shemovedalittlesoDeniwouldblockBroderick’slineofsightfromher.

“I’mwaitingforsomeone,”theyoungwomanmumbled.“Leavemealone,

Shifter.”

“Yeah?Whoareyouwaitingfor?”
Thewomanstaredather.Shehadlightblueeyesandsmelledstronglyoffear,

andevenmoreofanger.

“Noneofyourbusiness.”Shehaddefianceherwordsandeyes,buthervoice

shook.

“Interesting,”Denisaid.Shesnatchedthewoman’scellphonefromherhand

andstoodup.

Thegirlshrieked.“Hey,givethatback!”
Denisteppedawayfromherreachinghandsandscrolleddownherlistof

recentcalls.Onlyonehadbeenmadetoday,muchearlierthisafternoon,which
meantshe’dbeenfakingtalkingtosomeone.Stalling.She’dmadeplentyofcalls
yesterday,though,andthedaybeforethat,andonintothepreviousweek.Allto
theCityofAustinpolice.

“Don’tthinkso,”Denisaid.
Broderickturnedaround,scowling,notlikingtohavehisbeerdrinkingwith

hisbrothersinterrupted.“Whothehellismakingallthenoise?”Broderick
growled.

Deniignoredhim.Sheswungawayfromthegroupielungingforherphone

andwentforLiam’sofficedoor.ThiswastooimportantforrespectingLiam’s
privacy.“Broderick,don’tletherleave,”Denisaid,thenwasthroughthedoor
andintotheoffice.

Liamwasonthephoneathisdesk,Dylanhoveringnexttohim,listening.

UsuallyLiamsatbackherewithhisfeetup,casuallygoingoverbilling,
invoices,payroll,andthelike,buttodayhesatstraightupinhischair,hishand
overhiseyes,andhewasspeakingrapidlyintothephone.

“Haveyoupinpointedwhere?”heaskedwhoeverwasontheotherend.“Well,

damnit,findit.”

“Findwhat?”ColdwashedthroughDeni,triggeringthedizzinessshe’dbeen

fightingallday.“Liam?”

DylancamequicklyaroundDeniandclosedthedoor.“Keepitdown,lass.We

can’tlettheworldknow.”

“Knowwhat?Damnit,tellme.”
Liamglancedupather,hisfacestrainedashelistenedtothestreamofwords

comingfromhisphone.Heshotalookathisfatherandnodded.

DylantookDeni’shandbetweenhis,pressingwarmthintoit.“Wedidn’twant

youtoknowuntilweweresure,Den.Marlo’splanewentdown,somewherein
WestTexas.Wedon’tknowwhereyet,andwedon’tknowwhosurvived.”

ChapterTwelve

Deni’sworldstopped—ormaybeitkeptspinning,whirlingoutofcontrolwhile
shefrozeinoneplace.ShecouldbarelyseeDylanasshestaredathim,onlythe
blueofhiseyesasheheldhergaze.

Shockandthenpanicsweptthroughher,andherwolfstartedtohowl,agrief-

stricken,wildhowlthatonlyhappenedwiththedeathofamate.

“Deni,”Dylan’svoicecutthroughthenoise.“Keeplookingatme.”
ThevoicethatcameoutofDeni’smouthwassnarlingandwrong.“Whereis

he?”

“SouthoftheI-10,”Liamsaid.“SomewherebetweenhereandFortStockton.

Great,”hesaidintothephone.“Coversahellofalotofground.”

Deniheardavoiceontheotherend—Ronan,shethought,fromthedeep

timbre.“That’sallweknow,”Ronansaid.“Wecan’tasktoomanyquestions.”

“Ask,”Denisnarled.“Findhim.”
“Lass,”Dylansaid.
“Don’t‘lass’me.Findhim.He’smymate.”
BothDylanandLiamfocusedonher,asthetruthofitfilledDeni,hurtingher

andelatingheratthesametime.Mymate.Hurt.Lost.Find!

Deniwasgrowlingagain,theedgesofherworldgoingconcaveashereyes

changedtoherwolf’s.Dylanpriedthecellphoneshe’dtakenfromthegirlout
ofherhand,whichDenihadclampeddownonsohardtheplasticwasstartingto
crack.

“Wheredidyougetthis?”Dylanasked,lookingatthesmartphone,whichno

Shifterwouldcarry.

“Spy,”Denisaid,forcingouttheword.“Broderickhas.”
Dylan’seyesmovedashereadthephonenumbers,thenhegaveafurious

snarlandshovedhiswaypastDeni,bangingoutoftheoffice.

DeniyankedLiam’sphonefromhishands.“Ronan.Youtellmewhereheis.”
“Deni?”Ronan’stonesoftened.“Yeah,thoughtso.Sean’shackingasfastas

hecan.He’stryingtopindownthelocationbasedonreports.”

“Whereareyou?”

“Don’tknow.”Ronanturnedawayfromthephone,exchangingquestionswith

others.“Lookslikewe’reaboutwherethe55runsintothe277,whereverthatis.
Alittlewestofthat.Ellisonsaysdon’tyoudarecomeouthere.”

“TellEllison...”
Deni’scoherencelefther.Shedidn’trememberdroppingthephoneorsaying

anythingtoLiam.Sheonlyknewshewaswalkingoutthroughthebar,past
Dylan,whohadthepseudo-groupiepinnedbetweenhimselfandBroderick,
ignoringthemwhentheytriedtostopher.Shewalkedandwalkeduntilshe
foundherselfinfrontofherownhouse,pullingoutthenewmotorcycleEllison
hadboughtherandmountingit.

Denimusthavefoundthekeys,putonherhelmet,jeans,andboots.Shedidn’t

remember.Inafewminutes,shewaspullingoutofShiftertown,skimming
throughtraffictotheroadsthatledwestoutoftown.

Denididn’tknowTexaslikeEllisondid,butsheknewhowtogetfromAustin

acrossHillCountrywest,headingthroughFredericksburgtowardthe10.Atthe
onramptotheinterstate,shepaused,debatingwhethertogonorthorsouth.She
pickednorth,turningagainafteraboutthirtymilestothe377andcuttingsouth.

Notuntilshewaswelldownthehighway,headingsouthandwestasfastas

shecould,didsherealizeshewasridinghermotorcycle.

Alone.Outontheroad,underthesky,throughtheflatTexaslandsanddust.

Onherown.Noonewithher,noJaceholdingherandtellinghershecoulddoit.

She’dnavigatedtrafficthatmovedthicklytoFredericksburgandthenthe

speedingtrucksonthe10,andnowtheopenhighwaywithoutanyfearexcept
thatwhichfilledheraboutJace.

Thesunwasstillhigh,thougheveningwascomingon.Notmuchtrafficout

herenow.Deniopenedthebikeupalltheway,thehigh-poweredmachinetaking
herswiftlydowntheroad.Shiftersweren’tallowedtobuynewvehicles,but
DenialwaysthoughtHarleyswerebetteroncetheywerebrokenin.Ellisonhad
tinkeredwiththisoneuntilitpurredlikealion,ormaybeasnowleopard.

Deniranitsofastshealmostmissedthe55,whichjoggedfromthisroadwest

andalittlenorth.Shespeddownit,squintingagainstthebrightsun,niceandhot
stillinlateJuly.

The55endedinaTjunctionwiththe277,onelegoftheTgoingnorth,the

othergoingsouth.Denistoppedatalittlepulloffatthecrossroadsandlooked
around.Onetruckrumbledpastsouth,andacarspednorth,itsheadlightsturned
onagainstthegatheringtwilight.Noroadwentwestfromhereexceptforadirt
trackthatheadedoffintothewilderness.

ButRonanhadsaidtheywerewestofthisintersection,andsothatwaswhere

theywere.

Deniwaiteduntiltheroadwasclear,thensheglidedthebikeacrossthe

highwayandontothefaintdirtpaththatledintonothing.Herwolfsenseskicked
inassherode.She’dtakenoffherhelmetatthecrossroads,andnowshecould
see,hear,andsmellasaShifterwhileherhumanbodynavigatedthebike.

Astheskydarkened,thehugearchofitbrushedwithstars,Denisawatiny

orangelightfartoherleft.Thenarrowdirtroadbenttoherright,takingher
awayfromit,andshehadnowayofknowingwhetherthetrackwouldcurve
aroundagaintowhereshewantedtogo.

Denishutoffthebike,strippedoffherclothes,stretchedherlimbs,and

changedtoherwolf.

Onceinwolfform,shesmelledthegreasysmokefromfarawayburningfuel,

thescentmakinghergag.Denitrottedintotheemptyland,hominginonthefire.
Shepassedoilwells,starkmetalgiantsagainstthetwilitsky,theirheadsmoving
upanddown,clankingastheypumped.Buttheywereinsignificant,an
affectationofhumans.Deniwaswolfnow,nothingmore,andthenightflowed
toher.

Afteralongtimeofunceasingtrotting,shemadeittowhatshenowsawwas

thesmolderingwreckofasmallairplane.Insidetheperimeterofthefire’slight,
shesawthehulkingformsofRonanandTigerandthetalloneofSpikebending
overaheapontheground.

Jace?Deni’sheartpoundedasshespedup.No,Denisawandscentedasshe

nearedtheothers.Themanonthegroundwashuman,probablythepilot,Marlo.
Shesmellednostenchofdeath,soMarlowasstillalive.RonanandSpikewere
lashinghimontoastretcher,preparingtoloadhimintoapickupthatwasparked
nearby.Tigersawherandgaveheralonglookthenheturnedbacktohelping
withMarlo.

AnotherwolfranoutofthedarknessandstraighttoDeni—Ellison,largeand

gray,hiswolf’seyesmeetinghers.Ellisonshowedsorrowbutalsoanger.

Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?hisbodylanguagesaid.Whatpartof‘don’t

youdarecomeouthere’didn’tyouunderstand?

Where’sJace?Denisnappedback,stoppingherselffromthrowingherselfat

himandhowlinginanguish.

Don’tknow.Losthisscent.
Denigrowledandrushedpasthim.SheheardEllisonsnarlacursebehindher

andfollow.

Denidashedintothefirelight,earningastartledlookfromtheShiftersthere.

Sean,swordonhisback,startedtostepinfrontofher,butDeniranaroundhim
toTiger.You’resupposedtobesogoodatsearchandrescue,shegrowledupat
Tiger.Whereishe?Deniglaredathim,willinghimtounderstand,butshewasa

wolf,andheatiger,andwhoknewwhatgotthrough?

Tigerwatchedher,hisbrowsfurrowedoverhisgoldeneyes.“Youhaveto

findhim,”hesaid.

Whyhaven’tyou?
Tigerkeptstaringather.“Youhaveto.”
“Tiger,alittlehelphere,”Ronancalledtohim.
TigerlockedgazeswithDeniabeatlongerthenheturnedawaytowhere

Ronanwasdoingsomethingneartheburningdebris,Denihadnoideawhat.
Denigrowledinfrustrationandranfromthefirelight,searchingtheperimeterof
thecrashsiteforJace’sscent.

Shepickeditupalittlewaybeyondthewreck,whenthewindblewthesmoke

fromherface—Jace,loudandclear.Shestartedoffafterhim.

Alreadytriedthat,cameEllison’sgrowl.Lostitprettyquick.
Deniwasn’tlistening.EachspeciesofShifterhadanadvantageoverthe

others.Felinescouldseebrilliantlyinthedark,andtheywerefast.Bearshad
greatstrengthandalsostamina,probablybecausetheysleptsomuch,Denihad
alwaysprivatelythought.

ButwolvesbeatbothbearsandFelinesintheabilitytofollowscent.No

ShiftercouldoutdoaLupineonascenttrail.Awolf’ssecondprowesswas
communication.Wolveshowledfromhilltohill,passinginformation,warning,
claimingterritory.TheirnonverbalskillswerethebestofanyShifter.

Rightnow,Denineededonlyscent.LetEllisonhowlather—shehadamate

tofind.

ShelostJace’strailfairlysoon,asEllisonhadwarnedher,nearanotheroil

well,thisonecapped.Themetallicstenchofoldoilandrustingmachinery
cancelledoutthewarmerscentofShifter,andDenisatdownonherhaunches,
bereft.

Jacehadcomethisway,though,thatwascertain.Whetherhe’ddoubledback,

orwaslyinghurtsomewhere,Denicouldn’ttell.

ButJacewashermate.Theysharedthematebond—nodoubtaboutit.Deni

feltitinsideher,itswarmtharoundherheart,fillingherwithstrength.

Deni’saccidenthadrobbedherofmostofherconfidence.She’dgonethrough

episodeswhereshe’dforgottenwhoshewasanddidn’tknowanyonearoundher
—she’dattackedEllison,andshe’dturnedonherfriendsandsometimesher
owncubs.Terrifiedofhurtingthosesheloved,she’dlockedherselfintoatiny
world,whereshewentoutlittle,andkeptherselffromfighting,orevenenjoying
herselftoomuch.She’dnotbeenabletorideamotorcycle,evenbehind
someoneelse,asshe’dexplainedtoJace,aftershe’dbeenrundown,growing
terrifiedevenatthethought.Seeingthedangerousmanwho’dhurtherdiehad

helpedherbegintofindclosure,butthelingeringfearsdiedhard.

Thelossofcontrol—theferalrisingupinherandtakingover—botheredher

themost.Butinthisplace,inthedarkness,Denirealizedthattheonlywayshe
wouldfindhermatewouldbetosurrendertothebeastinsideher.

Shemovedawayfromtheoilwell,thensatdownandclosedhereyes.Deni

drewlongbreaths,scentingpastthebarrieroftheoilandthefire,searchingthe
night.

Sherememberedwhathadgonethroughherwhenshe’dseenBroderickattack

Jaceatthefightclub.Shehadn’tknownJacewashermatethen,butsomething
inDenihadmadeherattackBroderick,tofightalongsideJaceandprotecthim.

Denibroughttolifetheragethathadwashedoverherthen,rememberingthe

feelandtasteofit.Sheletgoofallrationalthought,andletthebeastcome.

HerCollarsparkedonce,buthercoherencelefther,andinstincttookover.
Thewolfputherheaddownandsniffedtheground,walkingatfirst,then

movingfaster.Shecrisscrossedbackandforthoveropenearthandthendowna
rockywash.

Shefoundnothing,butDeni’swolfwouldn’tlethergrowfrustrated.Tracking

byscenttookpatienceandtime.Sheclimbeduptheothersideofthewash,
continuingtohunt,coveringeveryinchofgroundshecould.Shemovedfarther
andfartherfromthewreck,leavingtheotherShiftersfarbehind.Stillshefound
nothing.EitherJacehadleftsomeotherwaythanhisownfeet,orhe’dhidden
himselfwell.

Denisatdowninthedarkness,hearingtheslitherofsnakesinthedriedgrass,

theygivingherawideberth.Shecouldscentnothingbutthenightnow—the
grainsofdustonthewind,thecoolnessofwaterfaraway,thewilddrynessof
Texas,unchangedforcenturies.Nowildcats,exceptthoseatthewreckbehind
her,noShiftersatall.

Maybescentwasn’twhatsheshouldbefollowing,thedimthoughtcame.

Denicontemplatedthatinherquietwolfway,thensheclosedhereyes,wrapped
herselfaroundthematebond,andsentitoutward.

There.Anansweringtug,fartothewestandsouthofwhereshestood.Jace

wasthere.Falsescentscouldbelaid,andscentscouldbecovered,butnothing
coulddisguisethealmostpainfultugofthematebond.

Denilopedbackthewayshe’dcome,acrossthewash,andstartedrunning,

drawntoJacewithsurety.

SheheardEllisonhowlinfrustrationsomewherebehindher.He’dlosther

scentandcouldn’tfindherinthedarkness.Nomatter.Deniwouldfindhermate
andbringhimhome,andallwouldbewell.

***

Jacesensedhercoming.Thesnowleopardstoppedinmidrun,pulledupshortas
thoughsomeonehadsnappedatetheronhimandyankedhimtoahalt.

He’dbeenrunning,puttingasmuchdistancebetweenhimselfandthewreck

ashepossiblycould.Whoeverfoundhim—Shifterorhuman—wouldwantto
draghimbacktocaptivity,Collars,andrules.Shifterstamingthemselves,Jace
wasrealizing,didn’tmeansafety.Itmeantsubmission.

Buthismatewascoming.
Jacestoppedonalittlerise,ararethinginthisflatworld.Hesatdown,

panting,wrappinghiscattailaroundhimashewaitedforher.

Deniracedoutofthedrygrasses,herbodyastreakofgrayunderthe

moonlight.Shecamefast,runninguptherise,notstopping.Sheletoutajoyful
yipandbarreledintoJacesohardtheyrolledtogetherdowntheothersideofthe
littlehillandendedupinaheaponthebottom.

Denishiftedintoherhumanform,naked,herbodyoutlinedbystarlight.Tears

streakedherface.

“Ifoundyou.”ShewrappedherarmsaroundJace’sleopard,whohuffedand

nuzzledher.“Ifoundyou.”

Jacelickedherface,tastinghertears,andDenilaughedashisroughtongue

nearlypushedherover.Comewithme,mylove,Jaceurged.Intothewild,where
webelong.

Denipulledback,studyinghim.“Areyouallright?Itlookslikethey’retaking

Marlotoahospital.Youshouldgetlookedattoo.”

Foranswer,Jacejumpedonher,knockinghertotheground.Deni’smouth

curvedtolaughterassheheldanarmfuloffur.“Seriously,Jace.Iwasworried
aboutyou.Everyoneis.Ithoughtyouweredead.”

Thetearsreturned.Jacelickedthemawayagain,thistimebeinggentle.
“IwassoscaredforyouthatIjumpedonmymotorcycleandrodeaway

withoutrealizingit.Didyouhearme?Irode.Mymotorcycle.Bymyself.AndI
wasn’tafraid!”

Jacelickedheragain.I’mglad,myheart.Youarehealing.
“Ridebackwithme.Thatwillbeevenbetter.”
Nope.Notgoingback.
“Jace.”Denistrokedhishead,andJacewantedtopurr.“Idon’tspeakFeline

verywell.Changeandtalktome.”

Jacedidn’twanttochange.He’dstaycat,she’dstaywolf,andthey’dmakea

densomewhere.Theyweresmartenoughtohuntandevadehunters,andto

teachtheircubstodothesame.Helovedherscent,whichwasstirringhis
matingfrenzy.

“What’swrong?”Deniaskedhim,strokinghimagain.“Iletgoofmybiggest

fearjustnow—losingcontrolofmyself—toletmywolftakeoversoIcouldfind
you.Andyouknowwhat?I’mfine.Look.”Shespreadherarms.“Ididn’tgo
feral.Ifoundyou,andIdidn’tlosemyself.Idon’thavetobeafraidanymore.”
SheheldJaceagain,hismatestrongandwarm.“Thecrashmusthavebeen
horrible.Butdon’tloseyourself,Jace.Please.Comebacktome.”

TherewasnothingwrongwithJace.Hewasfree,andCollarless.Butitwas

darkandDenihadn’ttouchedhisneck.Shedidn’tunderstandyet.

“Please,Jace.Ineedyou.”
Tearstrickledfromhereyesagain,tuggingJaceoutofhisanimalfocus.He

shifted,notassmoothlyasheusuallydid,butjerkingandgroaningwiththepain
ofit.Hiscatdidnotwanttoletgo.

“Itcameoff,”Jacesaid,thewordsbearingaFelinegrowl.“Look.TheCollar.

Gone.”

HetookDeni’shandandputittohisneck.
Deni’seyeswidened.ShebrushedJace’sbareneck,whichdidn’thurtatall,

skimmingherfingersaroundtohisthroat.“Whathappened?”

“Don’tknow.WasoutofthewreckbeforeIrealized.Maybethefire.Maybeit

takesintenseheattomeltthemoff.”

JacetouchedDeni’sface,hisneedforherkickinghimhard.Denimovedto

histouch,thenshegrabbedhishandandstaredatit.“Whatisthat?”

Jaceglancedathispalm.Itstillhurt,andnowhesawwhy.Hispalmwas

burnedbutcrossedbyagoldstreak,whichherealizedwasDeni’sbracelet.The
slendergoldbandhadbeenfusedintohisskin.

ChapterThirteen

“Hurts,”Jacesaid.Anditchedtoo.

Denikissedhispalm,herlipscool.“Icanseethat.Whathappened?”
“Itmusthaveheatedandmelted,”Jacesaid.“Sorry,Den.IpromisedI’dbring

itbacktoyou.”

“Youdid.”Denitouchedhisfaceandgavehimasmilethattightenedthebond

aroundhisheart.“Let’sgohome.”

“Wearehome.”Deniwasunderhim,herbodysoft,herscentandwarmth

makinghimforgetpain.“Stayherewithme.”

Shelookedworriedagain.“Weneedtogoback.Youhavefriendsandfamily

wholoveyou,andthey’reafraidforyou.”

Jacenuzzledher.“ButI’mfreeofeverything.I’mdonewithbeingused,hurt,

experimentedon.I’mfinishedbeingeasygoingJace,inthebackground.Ihave
mymate,mylife.Ihaveyou.”

Deni’sexpressionsoftened.“Yes.”
Thematingfrenzywaskickinginwithhertoo;Jacesawitinhereyes.Her

fingerswerehotasshebrushedhisface,findinghishurts.

Thetouchofthematehealed.Jaceclosedhiseyesandknewhiswoundswere

closing,hisburnseasing,hisShiftermetabolismhelpedbythegentlecaressof
histruemate.

“Jace,staywithme.”
Jaceopenedhiseyes,realizinghe’dstartedtoreverttohisleopard.Heforced

himselfintohumanshapeagain.Heneededtostayhumanrightnow,becausehe
wantedtohaveher.

Hegrowledlowinhisthroat.Denirecognizedthesound,hereyesbecoming

darker,filledwithneed.Sheranherhandsuphisbackandtohisneck.

Jaceknewthatoncehestartedkissingher,he’dnotbeabletostop,andhe

didn’tcare.Heslantedhismouthoverhers,tastingherheat,herfrenzy.Itbuilt
andgrew,callingtohisownfrenzy,whichanswered.

Thekissesturnedfierce.JacebitdownonDeni’slowerlip,elicitingagasp

fromherbutalsolaughter.Shearchedagainsthimwhileshelaughed,herbody

movinginwonderfulways.

Jaceheldherdownwithastronghandandenteredher.Asheslidinside,his

worldchanged.

Theselfishwildnessthathadinfusedhimwhenhe’drealizedhe’dlostthe

Collarwhirledintoonetightfocus.Deni.Shealonemattered.Hewantedtobe
withher—forever—andnowhereelse.EvenifhehadtoreturntoShiftertown
withher,tostillbeacaptive,itdidn’tmatteranymore.Jacewouldfindawayto
bewithher,hevowedthis.AndwithDeni,he’dalwaysbefree.

Hefitintoherasthoughshe’dbeenmadeforhim.Jacekissedherlips,her

face,herlipsagainashedrewbackthenstrokedinsideherevendeeper.

Denisuckedinherbreathandthenshesmiled,hereyesdarkeninginpleasure.

Shetouchedhischeekasshelikedto,herfingertipsasoftcounterparttothe
crazedneedinsidehim.

Jacerockedintoher,herbodysqueezingdownonhimandturninghimwild.

Rawneedfloodedhim,relievedonlybythewonderfulfeelingofthrustinginto
her.Strokeafterstroke,lovingher,cradlingherbodywithonearmsothehard
dirtwouldn’tcutintoher.

“Mymate,”hewhispered.“Isawyou,andneverwantedtobewithoutyou.”
Denishookherhead,fingersthreadingthroughhishair.“Jace.”
“Bemine,”Jacesaid.“Sayit.Alwaysmine.”
Denismiled.“Mine.”
Hereturnedthesmile,hisfierce.“Forever.”
“Yes.”
Thewordturnedintoagroan.Deni’sgripbitintohisshoulders,andsheheld

himwhilesheshudderedandcriedhisname,herthrustsmeetinghis.Jacebent
hisheadandnippedherneck,tastingthemetallictangofherCollar.

He’dhaveitoffher—he’dfigureouthow.Andshe’dbefree,withhim.The

painwouldbegone,andDeniwouldheal.He’dbewithher,nexttoher,helping
heralltheway.

“Jace.”
Deni’sgroanfilledhimwithfrenzy.Histhrustsgrewfaster,hisgrowlsdeeper.

He’dgotogroundwithher,andthey’ddothisalldaylongandintothenight.
She’dsmileathim,beautifulandsensual,andwrapherarmsaroundhim,
wantingtodoitagain.

“Deni.Goddess.”Jacelosthisseedintoher,pumpinghishipswhileshe

laughedtothestars.

Jaceraisedhishead,hisbodyslickwithsweat,andkissedherlips,hermouth

hotwithafterglow.“Iloveyou,”hesaid,hisheartineveryword.

“Iloveyoutoo,Jace.Alwaysmymate.”

Jacewasstillhard,pulsingwithneedforher.Hegaveheraferalsmileashe

thrustintoheragain,beginningtherhythmoncemore.

Denigavehimastartledlook,andthenshelaughed.Thelaughtersoonturned

togroans,andtheygavethemselvesovertothefrenzy,theircriesringingagainst
themillionsofbrightstars.

***

EllisonfoundJaceandDeniwheretheylaytogetherinthewarmTexasnight.Of
coursehedid—Deniknewthey’dgivenhimplentyoftimetofindtheirscent,
andtheymusthavebeenthrowingoffpheromoneslikecrazy,providinganeasy
trailtofollow.

Ellisoncametrottingupashiswolf,thenshiftedtohumanandgroaned.“Not

again.Iswear,Ican’tcomenearyoutwowithoutfindingyoutangledtogether.”
Hisvoiceheldreliefthough,evenrejoicing.

JacehelpedDenitoherfeetandputherbehindhiswarmbody,butwhenhe

facedEllison,hewasn’tdefensiveandangry—heshowedhisopenhands,a
postureofpeace.

“Congratulateus,Ellison,”Jacerumbled.“I’mmate-claimingyoursister,

DeniRowe,underthelightofthemoon,theGoddess,andinfrontofawitness
—you.IplantoaskLiamormydadtoperformthematingritualsassoonas
theycan.”

Ellisonstopped,moonlightgleamingonhislighthairandwolf-grayeyes.He

wasDeni’salpha,theleaderofhersmallpack,butansweringthemate-claim
wasDeni’schoice.“Yougoodwiththat,Den?”Ellisonasked,hisvoicegoing
soft.

“Yeah.”DenislidherarmsaroundJacefrombehind,lovingthetallsolidness

ofhisbody,hiswarmscent,thefeelofhisskinasshekissedhisshoulder.“I’m
goodwiththat.Iacceptthemate-claim.Jace?”Sheheardtheshakinginher
voice.“Youreadytogohome?TomyhomeImean—it’scloserrightnow.We
cancallyourdadfromthere.Ibehe’sworriedsick.”

Deniheldherbreath,waitingforJacetowanttoreturntotheleopard,toinsist

Denicomewithhimintothewild,orleaveonhisownifshewouldn’t.Hewore
noCollarnow—therewasnothingtostophim.

Evenso,lifeinthewildwasdangerous.Jacecouldbefound,hunted,killed.

Andhecouldstillgoferal—Shifterswholivedontheirown,lettingtheirbeasts
takeover,oftendidgoferal.TheShiftersEllison’smate,Maria,hadbeen

rescuedfromhadrefusedtotakeCollars,hiddenout,andbecomeferaland
cruel.Collars,fortheirpain,andtheShifterlaws,fortheirrestrictions,atleast
workedtohelpkeepShifterssane.

JaceturnedinDeni’sarmsandlookeddownather,hisfaceinshadow.Ellison

waitedbehindhim,tense,uncertain.

Deni’sheartached,bothwiththebondandwithworry.Jacelookedbetter,his

burnspalestreaksinthemoonlight.Helookedstrongertoo,andmoreatease,
anyuncertaintyhemighthavefeltforhisplaceintheworldgone.

Thenhesmiled.Everybitoflovewasinthesmile,everybitoftenderness.He

brushedbackalockofDeni’shair,hisfingerswarm.

“We’llwanttotellyourcubsyouacceptedmymate-claim,”Jacesaid.“So

yeah.Let’sgohome.”

***

AShiftermeetingwascalledinLiam’shousethenextday,afterJaceandDeni
hadrestedfromthelongdrivebacktoAustin—well,Denirememberedwitha
blush—they’ddonemorethanjustrest.ThemeetingincludedEricWarden,
Jace’sfather.

Deni’sheartsqueezedasEricstrodeacrossthehousetomeetJacewhenhe

camein,fatherenfoldingsoninalong,hardembrace.Eric’smate,Iona,who
washeavywithEric’schild,alsohuggedJace,wipingawayhertearswhenshe
releasedhim.

JacereachedforDeni,who’dhungbackfromthefamilygreeting,andpulled

herforward.“YourememberDeniRowe,Ellison’ssister.”

EricunderstoodtheirconnectionassoonashelookedatDeni,andIona

caughtonasecondlater.EricgazedatDeniwitheyesthesamecolorashis
son’s,thenheputhisbigarmsaroundDeniandpulledherintoanembrace
equallyastightastheonehe’dsharedwithJace.

“Thankyou,child,”Ericsaid,hisvoicerumblingintoherear.“Welcometo

thefamily.”

HestoodDenibackandstudiedher,asatisfiedlookinhiseyes.Ionaslidpast

EricandhuggedDeniherself.

“Congratulations,youtwo.”IonawinkedatDeniasshesteppedawayfrom

her.“Jaceisasweetheart.Akeeper.”

Denismiledheragreement.“Ithinkso.”
“AndnowCollar-free,”Ericsaid.“ThanktheGoddess.”

DeniunderstoodEricwasthankingtheGoddessformorethanJace’sCollar

beingoff.AshudderwentthroughEric,whichDenirecognizedasafather’s
reliefthathiscubwassafeandwhole.

“Jacehasatheoryaboutthat,”Liamsaidfromwhereheloungedonawindow

seatinthelivingroom.Heheldhisblack-haireddaughterinthecurveofhis
arm,littleKatrionawatchingtheadultswithinterest.“Carryon,lad.”

Jacehelduphishand,whichborearedstreak.Lastnight,whenthey’d

returnedtotheAustinShiftertownandafterSeanandDylanhadgottenMarloto
ahospital—theresilientmanwasonthemend—SeanandJacehadpainfullydug
theremnantsofthegoldchainfromJace’shand.Andreahadquicklydonea
healingonhim,thenDenihadcompletedthehealingintheprivacyoftheRowe
family’ssecretbasement.

“FionnsawthebraceletlastnightwhenhewasvisitingAndrea,”Jacesaid.

“AndreatoldmethismorningthatFionntoldherthatthisbraceletismadeof
Faegold.PasseddownthroughthefemalelineofmanygenerationsofDeni’s
mother’sfamily.ShiftersusedtoliveinFaerie—whycouldn’toneofthemhave
hadaccesstoFaegold?”JaceslidhisarmaroundDeni.“Iwasholdingthe
bracelet,whichDenigavemeasakeepsake,whentheplanewentdown.Iwent
throughhell,nearlyburnedalive.Theheatmusthavemelteditintome,whereit
enteredmynervoussystemorbloodstream,orskincells,orsomething.Ihaven’t
figuredthatpartout.Butsomehow,myCollarloosenedandfellaway,without
hurtingme.ThoughmaybeIdidn’tnoticethepainwhilemyfurwasbeingfried
off.”

“Thethirdelement,”Seansaid.HedangledaCollarfromhishand,Jace’s

Collar,whichSeanhadfoundinthewreckage.“Silverandhumantechnology,
fusedtogetherbyFaegold.WhetherthegoldisalreadyintheCollaroronlyput
intoitwhentheCollargoesontheShifter’sneck,wedon’tknowyet.”

“OrhowtousethatknowledgetogettheCollarsoff,”Jacesaid.
SeanstudiedJace’sCollar,whichlookedremarkablyintactforitstimeinthe

crucibletheplanehadbecome.“Maybeasyringeoftheliquidgoldcarefully
injectedintotheShifterwillloosenit?Orsimplyrubbedontheskin?Willbe
tricky,this,sinceFaegold’sprettyhardtofind,accordingtoFionn.Fionnsays
he’llhelpus,butevenhesaysit’sveryrare.”

“Heclaimshehasitinthewallsinhishouse,”Jacesaid.“Tellhimtodigit

outforus.”

“Heexplainedthattome,”Seansaid,withoutsmiling.“Hesaidwhenitwas

allchippedawayitwouldonlybeanounceorso.Butwe’llworkonfindinga
source.Andstarttryingouttechniques.Itmightstillbeverypainful.”

JacetouchedthefakeCollararoundhisneck,puttherecourtesyofLiamand

Dylanthismorning.“Well,youcantryitonsomeonenotme.I’mdonemessing
withCollars.”

Seannoddedinunderstanding.“You’vegotit,lad.Volunteersonly.ButI’m

thinkingsomewillputupwithalittlehotgoldontheirskintobefreeofthese
bloodydevices.”

“Me,”Denisaid.“Youcantryitfirstonme.Usewhateverisleftinthe

bracelet.I’msuremymotherwouldbefinewithmeusingittofreemyselfand
mymate.”

Jace’sholdonhertightened.“No.Notuntiltheyknowwhatthey’redoing.”
“Seanwillfigureitout.”DenileanedintoJace,feelingwarmandprotected.“I

wantthisdamnedCollaroff.Iwanttohealalltheway.Withyou,andwithout
theCollar.”

Jacegrowled,butshesawsympathyinhiseyes.“Allright,butI’mwithyou

everystepoftheway.Everysecond.AndifSeanhurtsyoumorethannecessary,
heanswerstome.”

“Oh,good,”Seansaid.“Nopressure.Don’tworry,lass.I’llbetryingthese

ideasonmeselfaswell.IhaveamatewhocanmakeusallbetterifIscrewup.”

“IhopeIcan,”Andreasaid.Sheheldhersonclose,hisgrayeyessomuchlike

hismother’s.

“I’mjustfeelingbetteraboutthisallthetime,”Seansaid.
“WecandovolunteersfromourShiftertowntoo,”Ericsaid.“Thosewho

wouldmostbenefit.IfthereprovestobesolittleFaegold,theweakerShifters
shouldbereleasedfirst,thosewhoseCollarshurtthemthemost.Thoseofus
whocancontroltheCollars’effects—we’llsuckitupforawhile.”

“SpeakingofyourShiftertown,”Denisaid,andEricfocusedonher.
“Don’tworry—I’llmakesureJacecanmovehereofficially,”Ericsaid.“And

haveleavetovisitmeandbringyouwithhimasoftenaspossible.”Eric
swallowed,thelightinhiseyesdimming.“I’llmisshim,butIknowwhatamate
bondislike.”HishanddriftedtoIona’s,andhismateroseontiptoeandkissed
hischeek.

AnotherthingJacewasdoingforher,Denireflected.Traditionally,Shifter

womenmovedintothehomesoftheirmates,leavingtheirownfamiliesbehind.
ButitwouldbedifficulttoobtainpermissiontomoveDeniandhertwocubsto
theLasVegasShiftertown,anditwouldalsomeanleavingEllison.Toprevent
Denihavingtoleavehersonsbehind,Jacehadvolunteeredtomovehere
instead.Abreakwithtradition,butakindone.

“Well,”Liamsaid,pushinghimselffromthewindowseatandhanding

KatrionatoKim.“I’mlookingforwardtoconductingyetanothermating
ceremony.UnlessEricfightsmeforthehonor.Butwehaveotherbusinessat

hand.Tiger.”

Tigerunfoldedhisbigarmsandmovedtothebasementdoor—thedoortothe

truebasement,nottheMorrisseys’secretspace.TheShiftersatthismeeting
wereLiamandfamilyandLiam’strackers,plusEricandIona.Liamhadasked
forEric’sadviceonthestickyproblemDenihaduncoveredattheShifterbar.

TigerunlockedandopenedthedoortorevealtheyoungwomanDenihad

caughtwiththephonethatshowedshe’dmademanycallstothepolice.She’d
washedofftheShiftergroupiemakeupbutstaredaroundattheShifterswith
defianceinhereyes.Broderick,who’dinsistedonguardingher,broughtherup
thelastofthestairswithhishandlightlyonhershoulder.Broderick’sgrayeyes
sweptthetrackers,andhelookedalmostasdefiantastheyoungwoman.

“ThisisJoanneGreene,”Liamsaid.“She’sbeenfollowingShiftersaround

andreportingthingstothepolice—thefightclub,whatShiftersdoatthebar—
andaskingthecopstotalktoShiftersandwatchthem...”

DenihadwonderedwhatLiamwoulddowiththeyoungwoman.Dylannow

wenttoher,andthewoman’sdefiancedissolvedintoterror.Dylanstoppedafoot
infrontofher,inherpersonalspace.“Tellmysonwhatyoutoldme,”Dylan
said.

Herchincameup.“WhyshouldI?”
Shewasyoung,evenforahuman.Inhermidtwenties,Deniguessed,ifthat.

Connor,whowasonlyalittleyoungerthanJoanne,shookhishead.“I’dtellhim.
IfyouthinkGrandda’sscary,wait’tilyoufaceUncleLiam.”

Brodericksqueezedhershoulder.“Bestgetitoverwith.”Hesounded

sympathetic,interestinglyenough.

Joannetookadeepbreath.“Becauseyoutookmysister,”shesaid.
Liamblinkedinsurprise,andsodidmostoftheShifterspresent.“Your

sister?”

“Mysister,Nancy,”Joannesaid.“She’sthetrueShiftergroupie.Lovesto

chaseShifters.Shewashere,inShiftertown.Thenshedisappeared.Whatdid
youdowithher?”

Liamgaveherablanklook.“Wedidn’tdoanythingwithher,lass.Wherewas

shelast?WithwhatShifter?”

“Idon’tknow.”Joanne’seyesflashedanger.“DoesitmatterwhatShifter?She

wasatyourbar,thenshewenttoyourfightclub.Thatwasafewweeksago.She
hasn’tcomehomesince.”

“AndthehumanpoliceagreewithyouthataShiftermusthavetakenher?”

Denicouldn’thelpasking.

Joannelookedevenangrier.“Theysaytheyhavenoevidenceofharm.They

thinksheranoffonherown.”

Dylandidn’tmoveanyclosertoJoanne,buthislookofmenacewashard.

“AndsoyoustiruptroubleforallShifters,endangeringus,ourmates,ourcubs,
withoutcomingtousandaskingaboutherfirst?”

Joannesteppedbackinfear,bumpingintoBroderick,butshespokeinaclear

voice.“Cometoyou?WhyshouldIcometoyou?”

Dylanstartedtoanswer,butBrodericktookastepsideways,puttinghimself

inapositionwherehecoulddefendJoanneagainsttheothersifneedbe.“Go
easyonher,”hesaidtoDylan.“She’safraidforhersister.Don’ttellmeyou
wouldn’tdothesamethingifyoulosttrackofsomeoneyoulovedinsideanother
Shiftertown.”

Dylan’sexpressionhardened.“No,whatIwoulddoisfindtherightculprit

andshakehimuntilhecoughedupwhatheknew.Andthendecidewhethertolet
himlive.”

“She’sbeentellingmeaboutit,”Brodericksaid,asJoannegazedatDylanin

fear.“Idon’tthinkaShiftertookhersister,butitlookslikesomethinghappened
aroundaShifterevent.YouandLiamhaveallkindsofresources.Helpher.”

LiamgaveBroderickathoughtfullook.“Maybewewill.Dad.”
DylanlookedoverBroderickandJoanne,thenheturnedaway.Withouta

word,hewalkedoutofthelivingroomandthenoutthefrontdoorwithaneven
stride.Thebangofthedoorinhiswakewasloud,andforamoment,noonesaid
anything.Dylanoftendidsuchthings—keepinghisowncouncilandwalking
awaytosolveproblemsonhisown.HewasolderthanmostShiftersin
Shiftertown,andhadexperienceandwisdomnooneelsehad.TheShiftershad
learnedtotoleratehisabruptness.

Liamclearedhisthroat.“Sinceyoulikehersomuch,Broderick,you’rein

chargeofher,”hesaid.“Idon’twanthertalkingtothepolice,orgoing
anywhereordoinganythingwithoutmeknowing.Gotit?”

“Sure,”Brodericksaid.“Lightenup,Liam.”
Liamblinkedagain.DenisawLiamdeliberatelyletBroderick’sadmonition

gobeforehegaveJoanneaslownod.“We’regoingtohelpyoufindoutwhat
happenedtoyoursister.Butyoubehave—understand?”

Joannewasbewildered—shemusthavethoughttheShifterswouldkillher,or

atleastimprisonheranddoterriblethingstoher—butshenodded.Broderick
stayedprotectivelyinfrontofher,andLiamendedthemeeting.

“Ithinkhe’ssmitten,”DenisaidtoJaceastheywalkedbacktoherhouse

acrossthestreet.“Broderick,Imean.”

TheymountedtheporchstepsofDeni’shouse,andJacepushedDeniagainst

aporchpost.“SoamI.Smittenisagoodwordforit.”

Hiskissstirredfiresthathadn’tgoneout.Deniwoundherarmsaroundhis

neckandenjoyedhimforamoment.

“ImeantwhatIsaid,”shemurmuredastheirmouthsdrewapart.“Aboutthe

Collar.I’llletSeandowhatheneedsto.Iwantitoff.”

“Idotoo.”Jacetouchedthechainonherneck.“I’llbewithyou,Den.And

whenyou’refree,we’lldosomecelebrating.”

“Whywait?”Denismiledintohisface,andJace’sseriouslookdissolvedinto

awickedgrin.

“Wildwoman,”Jacesaid.
“Always.”
Jaceledherintotheemptyhouseandtothebasement,thetwoofthem

laughingastheystumbleddownthestairs.Jacekickedthedoorclosedatthe
bottomashekissedheragain.Theywaltzedtheirwayintothebedroomthey’d
beenusing,handsstrippingoffeachother’sclotheswhiletheirmouthslocked
intolong,hotkisses.

“Iloveyou,JaceWarden,”Denisaidastheywentdownontothebed.
“Iloveyoutoo,DeniRowe.Somuch.”Jacedrewheruptohim,stokingthe

firesinsideher.“Thankyouforfindingme.”

“Youfoundme,”Denisaid.“Healedmetoo.”
“Mmm.”Jaceclosedhiseyesasheslidinsideher.Hisvoicewentlow.“You

healedme.Wehealedeachother.”Heputhishandonhers,thestreakwherethe
bracelethadburnedhimalreadyclosedtoaredscar.Theirfingerstouched,
spread.“Youandme.One.”

Jacelacedhisfingersthroughhers,andDeniclosedtheirhandstogether.

“One,”shesaid,thensheletoutacryasJacethrustintoherwithafirmerstroke.
“Always.”

“Always,”Jacesaid,andthentherewasnothingbutthesoundsof

lovemaking,andhappiness.

Sorrowfled,andDeniprovedtoherselfwhatabeautifulthingitwaslosing

controlinthearmsoftheShiftersheloved.

Epilogue

DeniandJacewerematedinthefull-sunceremonythenextday,bringingdown
theblessingsoftheFatherGodontheunion.Thefull-moonceremony,thefinal
sealingofthemates,happenedafewnightslater,afterDenihadhadherCollar
removed,atherinsistence.

Itwasseverelypainful,andhowSeangottheremaininggoldfromthe

bracelettoblendwiththeCollarandloosenit,Deniwasn’tquitesure.Sheonly
knewthattheCollarhadcomeoff,linkbyslowlink.Ithadhurt,yes,butDeni
knewherreleasehadcomewithnowhereneartheagonythathadsuffusedJace
whenthey’dtriedtotakehisCollaroffhim.She’dalsonotfelttheneedtoshift
toherbeasttogiveintoherferalinstincts,asJacehad.TheFaegoldmadethe
difference.

Jacehadbeenthere,rightnexttoher,snarlingatanervousSeaneveryminute.

WhenSeanhadliftedtheCollarfreeandDenitookalongbreath,Jacehad
pulledherhardintohisarms,hiseyeswet.

Deni,nowfittedwithafakesilverCollar,stoodwithJaceinthegrovebehind

thehousesunderthemoonlight,withEricandLiaminfrontofthem.Bothhad
decidedthey’djointlyperformthefull-moonceremony—Liambecauseitwas
hisShiftertownandhewasfondofDeni;EricbecauseJacewashisson.

Shiftersgatheredincircles,thechantingalreadybeginning.Sowasthe

drinkingandpartying.EllisonstoodnexttoDeni,proudandgrinning,Mariaon
hisarmsmilinghersweetsmile.BehindDeniwereJacksonandWill,deliriously
happyfortheirmother,butplentywillingtoteasebothherandJace.

Ionahadcome,standingnexttoEric,withEric’ssister,Cassidy,andhermate,

ahumannamedDiego,nexttoher.Marlo,recoveredfromhisbang-upbut
lamentingaboutthelossofhisbelovedplane,hadalsocome.

SohadtheyoungwomancalledJoanne,whowasbeinglookedafterby

Broderickandhisbrothers.She’drelaxedabitaroundShifters,atleastaround
Broderick’sgrufffamily.Shewasstillworriedabouthersister,butDylan

alreadyhadthingsinmotion.They’dfindher.

Asthemoonrose,itscoollightfloodingtheclearing,Liamhelduphishands

forsilence.HeandEricsteppedforward,Ericsmilinginhiswarmway.

“BythelightoftheMotherGoddess,”Liambegan.
“Iacknowledgethismating,”Ericfinished.“TheblessingsoftheGoddessgo

withyou,Son.”HeputhisarmsaroundJace.“AndDaughter.”Ericturnedand
embracedDeni,Jace’shandonDeni’sbackasshehuggedEricinreturn.

Andthentherewaslaughter,manymorehugs,withDenialmostsquashedby

theenthusiasticoneshersonsgaveher.Ronan’sgiantbearhugcompetedwith
Will’sandJackson’sforforce.Tigerevenhuggedher,thengaveheranod,as
thoughsatisfiedshe’dfinallywisedupanddonetherightthing,bringingJace
home.

Shifterswhooped,howled,screamed.Thematingceremonywasafertility

feast,andShiftertownwouldbefertiletonight.

Denihadn’tfeltthedizzinessorbeginningsofnauseathathadtriggeredher

episodesofnear-madnesssinceJacehadbeenbroughthomesafelyto
Shiftertown.She’dmadeabreakthrough,shethought,outinthewild,choosing
togiveintoherinstincts,whichhadhelpedherfindhermate.Thefactthat
she’dbeenabletopullherselfoutoftheinstinctivestateonceshe’dfoundJace,
andhadn’tgoneinsane,hadrestoredsomeofherconfidence.Thematebond
alsohelpederaseherfear,andsohadtheremovaloftheCollar.Denididn’t
knowexactlywhenshe’dbeenhealed,butsheknewtheprocesshadbegunwhen
she’dmetJacethatnightatthefightclub.

Musicpouredintothenight.Denidancedwithhersons,thenEllison,Liam,

andEric,withacircleofgirls—Andrea,Kim,Iona,Glory,Elizabeth,Myka,
Carly.Thecubsranaround,undisciplined,shoutingandscreamingintheirown
games.

Finally,DeniendedupwithJaceagain.Hetuggedherclose,hiseyesgoing

palegreenwithbarelycontainedmatingfrenzy.

“Rememberhowthisstarted?”heasked.
“Yougettingyourasskicked?”Denianswered,laughing.
“Mesavingyourass,”Jacesaid.“Andthenhavingit.”
“Don’tyouwish.”
“Ido.”Jaceleanedclose.“Iwantedyouagainandagain,Deni.Iwentthrough

alottokeepyoubymyside,didn’tI?”

Deninodded.“I’mgladyoudid.”
Jacekissedheragain,hissmilesgone.“It’sdarkoutheretonight.Noone

wouldmissus.”

Shegavehimateasingsmile.“Maybeweshouldbemorecivilizedaboutit,

nowthatwe’remated.”

“Screwthat.”Jace’sholdtightened,hishandwarmingthesmallofherback.

“Ilikebeingwildwithyou,Den.Myheart.”

“Mmm.”Denikissedhim,thenwrenchedherselfoutofhisarms.“Let’sbe

wild,then.”Shetookthegarlandfromherheadandthrewit,spinning,away
fromher.Shifterwomenshoutedlaughterandscrambledafterit.

“Catchmeifyoucan,Feline,”DenisaidtoJace,andsheswungaway,

dashingintothenight.

Sheheardagrowloffrustratedwildcat,thenanotheroneofdetermination.

Deniran,butsheknewshe’dneveroutdistancealeopardwho’ddoanythingto
bringdownhisprey.Shedidtry,though,soJacewouldhaveachallenge.

Butwhenhisstrongarmscamearoundherinthedarknessbeyondthe

bonfires,Jace’skissesfranticallyfallingonherflesh,Deniknewshe’dnever
beensohappytobecaught.

GrahamMcNeilslammedhismassivefistintothejawoftheattackingwolfjust
ashiscellphonerang.

Hegotthewolfintoaheadlockandtriedtoreachforthephone,butthewolf

foughtandclawed,drawingblood,itsbreathlikesouracid.Graham’sCollar
sparkedheavypainintohisthroat,whiletheCollaronthewolfhefoughtwas
dormant.

Wasthiswherethingsweregoingwiththestupid-assideathatallShifters

shouldhavetheirpain-shockingCollarsreplacedwithinertones?Shiftersatthe
bottomofthefoodchainwouldusetheirfakeCollarsasanexcusetotrytoclaw
theirwayup,likethisLupinewas.Theshitheadwasfromthefamilyofoneof
Graham’strackersandwassupposedtobeloyaltoGraham,buttodaythewolf
haddecidedtowaitinGraham’shouseuntilGrahamwalkedinalone,andjump
him.

Idiot.Grahamhadterritoryadvantage,evenifhestillworehistrueCollar,

whichblastedpainintohimwitheveryheartbeat.Timetoshowtheattacking
wolfwhowastrulyalpha.

Graham’sphonekeptringingagainsthisbelt.BecauseShifterswereonly

allowedtocarry“dumb”phones,hedidn’thaveafancyringtonetotellhimwho
wascalling.Thedamnthingjustrang.

GrahamgrabbedtheLupinebythethroatandthrewitagainstthewall.The

wolfhowled,butdiditstaydown?Notforlong.

Asthewolfpreparedanotherattack,Grahamyankedthephoneoffhisbelt

andflippeditopen.“What?”

“Graham,”camethebreathlessvoiceofhismore-or-lessgirlfriend,ahuman

calledMisty.

Everythingslowed.Grahamsawinhismindthecurvyyoungwomanwith

lightbrownhairsheworeinponytail,hersoftface,andhersweetbrowneyes.
Everythoughtofherwaslikeabreathofair,snakingintohismessed-upbrain
andtryingtosoothehim.Grahamwishedhewaswithhernow,teasingher,
kissingher,insteadoftryingtobeataninsubordinatewolfintosubmission.

“I’malittlebusyrightnow,sweetheart,”Grahamsaidloudlyasthewolf

landedonhim.Awoodenchairsmashedunderthemastheybothslammedtothe
floor—damn,helikedthatchair.“YoubreakmyTV,you’redead,”Graham
snarled.

“What?”
“Notyou,sweetie.I’llhavetocallyouback.”
“Youcan’t.Graham,listen,Ineedyou.They’re...Oh,crap.”
“What?”Grahambellowed.“Slowdown.Whatareyousaying?”
“Ihavetogo.Idon’tknowwhenIcancallyouagain.”
Graham’sshiftwascoming.Inafewseconds,hewouldn’tbeabletoholdthe

phone,letalonetalk.“Wait!”heyelledather.

“Ican’t.I’vegottogo.Graham,Ilo—”
Thephoneclicked,andGrahamwasshoutingatadeadline.“What?Wait!

Misty!Fuck.”

Hethrewthephoneacrosstheroomandliftedtheattackingwolfbythescruff

oftheneck.“Wouldyoustop,youasshole?”

Thewolfsnarled,teethsnappingatGraham’sthroat.ThewolfinGraham

responded.Hefelthisbodychange,musclesbecomingharderandleaner,face
elongatingtoaccommodateteeth,clawsjuttingfromfingersthatquicklybecame
paws.

Withanear-splittingsnarl,Grahamwentfortheotherwolf’sthroat,snapping

teetharoundfur.

Atthelastminute,thealphainhimtoldhimnottokill.Grahamwasthis

wolf’sprotector,notitsenemy.Thewolfneededtobetaughtitsplace,not
destroyed.

NotthatGrahamwouldn’troughitupabit.Butquickly.Heneededtofindout

whatwaswrongwithMisty.Thefearinhervoicehadbeenclear,thedesperation
palpable.They’re...What?Here?Coming?Killingme?

Graham’sCollarkeptsnappingarcsintohisneck.Heheldontothethroatof

thefightingwolf,notlettingtheCollarstophim.

Dominancedidn’thaveanythingtodowithCollars,orpain,orfighting.

Dominancewasaboutputtingfull-of-themselves,arrogantLupineShiftersin
theirplace.Grahamgotthewolfonthefloorandsteppedonit,andthenshifted
tohumanagain,breathinghard,hisclothesintatters.

“Staydown.”Thewordswerehard,final.
Thewolfsnarledagain,thenbecamehuman—lanky,dark-haired,gray-eyed—

typicalLupine.Exceptthisonewasfemale.

Shelookedupathim,rageinhereyes.“Thisisn’tover,McNeil.”
“Famouslastwords.Yourdadsentyou,didn’the?ThoughtmaybeI’dmate-

claimyouifyoucouldn’tbestme,right?”

ThewayshelookedquicklyawaytoldGrahamhe’dhituponthetruth.She

wasnaked,andnotbad,butGrahamhadn’tbeenabletothinkaboutanyother
femalesincehe’dmetMisty.

Hehadn’tmate-claimedMisty,orevenhadsexwithher.Grahamhadnever

hadsexwithahumanbefore,andhefearedhe’dnotbeabletogentlehimself
enoughforMisty.Thelastthinghewantedtodowashurther.

Also,hispositionasleaderoftheLupinesinthisShiftertownwasprecarious.

HiswolvesexpectedhimtomatewithaLupine,toprovideacubwhowouldbe
theirnextleader.Ifhewentintomatingfrenzywithahuman,themoreold-
fashionedofhiswolvesmighttrytosolvetheproblembykillingMisty.

ButMisty’sphonecallhadhisgutchurning.Grahamclimbedtohisfeet.“I’ve

gottogo,”hesaidtothewoman.“IwantyououtofherebythetimeIgetback.
Nomoreambushes.Ifyouwantamate,gochasesomebears.They’realways
horny.”

Grahamturnedaroundandwalkedaway.Thebestwaytoshowsubmissives

theyweresubmissivewastoindicateyoudidn’tfearthemjumpingyouthe
minuteyourbackwasturned.Makingthemknowthatiftheydidjumpyou,
you’dstopthem.Again.

Hishearthammeredwithworry,thewolfforgotten,ashedetouredtohis

bedroomtograbclothestoreplacetheoneshe’dshreddedwithhisshift.

Grahamleftthroughthebackdoor,mountedhismotorcycle,startedit,and

rodenoisilyawayfromhishouseandShiftertown.

***

“I’maskingyouonemoretime,whereishe?”

“Isaid,Idon’tknow.”
ThegangleaderwhoheldMistyagainstthewallbythethroatdidn’tbelieve

her.He’dcaughtherrunningoutofthebackoftheshop,andhe’dtakenhercell
phone,thrownittotheground,andsmasheditwithhisbootheel.She’dnever
seenthemanbefore,butsheguessedwhohewas—aguycalledSamFlores
who’dbeeninprisonwithherbrother—andwhyhe’dcome.

“Youdoknow.”Flores’sbreathwasfoulwithcigarettesandbeer.“Thathim

youhadonyourphone?”

“No—”Mistybrokeoffwithagruntasherheadsmackedintothewall.“I

don’tknowwherePaulis.Hetookoff.”

“Lyingbitch.”Floreshadblueeyesinasun-darkenedface,anddarkhair

streakedbystrongdesertsunlight.“I’mgoingtobeatyouuntilyoutellme
wherethatassholeis.Thenmyboysandmewillmakeyouunderstandwhyyou
don’tmesswithus.”

Mistywassocoldwithfear,shecouldn’tfeelanythinganymore.She

struggled,thoughsheknewshe’dnevergetaway.Paulhadbeenoutmaking
deliveries,andMistyreallydidn’tknowwherehewas.She’dcalledhimbefore
she’dcalledGraham,butshe’dhadtoleaveavoicemail,tellingPaultolielow.
Paulhadhidingplaces,butMistydidn’tknowwhereallofthemwere.

Floresheldherinplace,theprisontattsonhisfingersupcloseandpersonal.

Behindhim,hisfriendsweresmashingupherflowershop.Baseballbats
smackedintotheclearglassrefrigeratordoorsthatheldherstock;potsfilled
witharrangementswerethrownagainstthecounter.Glasssplinteredandflew,
theflowers,innocent,scatteredeverywhere.Brokenstemsandariverofpetals
litteredthefloor.

Thegangboysgotintotherefrigeratorsandsmashedthevasestheretothe

floor.Watergushedacrossthecementandtilealongwithalltheflowers.Cool,
dankair,scentedwithroses,carnations,calendulas,daisies,andbaby’sbreath
waftedacrosstheshop.

“Youknowyouaren’twalkingoutofhere,”Floressaid.“Youmightaswell

tellmewhereheis.”

Mistydidn’tbothertoanswer.Ifshewoulddiehere,thelastthingshe’ddo

wouldbetokeepherlittlebrother,Paul,safe.She’dtakencareofhimallher
life,andshewasn’tabouttostopnow.

“Idon’tthinkyouunderstand,”Floressaid.“Itwon’tbeeasy.You’llbeinso

muchpainbythetimewe’redonewithyou,you’llbebeggingtodie.”

Fine,thenMistywouldbegtodie.Atleastshe’dbeenabletohearGraham’s

gruff,take-no-shitShiftervoiceonelasttime.Shethoughtabouthisstrength,the
tattsoffireonhisarms,hishardface,andbuzzeddarkhair.Everyonethought
Grahamtootough,toomean,andtoowildtotame,butMistyhadseenwhatwas
inhiseyeswhenhewasaroundthetwoorphanedwolfcubsinhispack.

She’dstartedtotellGrahamthesecretinsideherheartwhenthemanwiththe

callusedfingershadsnatchedawayherphone.

Theyweregoingtodowhatevertheywantedwithher,andMistywoulddie.

Shewasscared,butatleastPaulhadgottenaway,andGraham’svoicehadgiven
herstrengthtofacewhatshehadto.

Notthatshe’dgiveupwithoutafight.Godownswinging,herdadhadlikedto

say.Heshouldknow;he’dhadtofightforeverythinghisentirelife.

Themeninherstore—fiveofthem—werearmed,carryingpiecesstuffedinto

backholsters,knivesinbootsandonbelts.Mistyhadnothingbutherfistsand
herflowers.

“Cops’recoming,”oneofthemenbythedoorsaid.
Mistyheardsirens.ProbablyPedroattheconveniencestoreacrossthelothad

seenthebreak-inandcalledthepolice.ButMistyknewbetterthantorelaxand
bethankfulthepolicewereontheirway.Therewouldbeastandoff,probablya
gunbattle,andsomeonewouldbeshot.MostlikelyMisty.

Shestruggledtogetaway.Florespunchedhertwiceintheface.Misty’shead

snappedback,andbloodflowedfromhermouth.

Floresclampedhishandoverherthroat,cuttingoffherbreath.Hesqueezed,

notenoughtochokeher,butblockingoffenoughairtomakeMistydizzyand
sick.

Hedraggedherwithhimoutthebackdoortothealley,theotherfour

following.Twooftheguyshadmotorcycles;theothertwoandthemanwho
heldMistywentforapickup—aFord250,allshinyandnew.Bigenoughto
shoveMistydownintoitsbackseat,tossingacigarette-smoke-infestedtarpon
topofher.

Thetruckrumbledunderherasitstarted.Thenthepickupjerked,tires

squealing,asitheadeddownthealleythatranbehindthestripmall.Another
turnontothestreet,andtheywereoff,carryingMistywho-knew-where.

***

Misty’spickupwasn’tinhercarport.GrahamkilledtheengineonhisHarley,
steppedawayfromtheengine’ssmell,andinhaled.

Everyhacklehehadwentup,thewolfinhimstartingtosnarl.Mistywas

gone—Grahamcouldscenthowshe’dleftthehousethroughthebackdoornot
longago,gotintohertruck,anddroveaway.Allasnormal.She’dhavegoneto
herstore,asearlyasitwas,todowhateveritwasshedidbeforeopeningforthe
day.

Whyhadn’tthewomantoldhimwhereshewascallingfrom?Graham’scell

phonehadindicatedwhatnumberhadcalledhim,butMistyhadbeenonher
cell,whichmeantshecouldbeanywhere.

Grahamscentednostrugglehere,nofearorworry.JustMisty’sfreshscent,

overlaidwiththeflowerssheworkedwithallthetime.Grahamcouldn’tcatcha
whiffofrosesthesedaysorthestrongodorofwhatshesaidwereAsiaticlilies
withoutthinkingofMisty.

No,thinkingofherwasn’ttherightwaytoputit.Thescentsconjuredupher

sultryvoice,heruninhibitedlaughter,hersoftface,andbrowneyesthatwent
shinywhenshelookedathimsometimes.

Theimages,sounds,andscentsofherwokeupGraham’sneedstoo.Hehadn’t

touchedthewoman,buthedreamedalmosteverynightaboutrunninghishand
upthelooseskirtsshelikedtowear,freeingherhairfromtheponytail,licking
betweenherbreasts...

Mistyhadsoundedterrified.Someonehadbeencomingforher,andshewas

scaredoutofhermind.

Grahamswungbackontohisbike,startedit,androareddownthestreetagain.

Hesawthepeoplewho’dcomeoutofhousestowatchhim,wonderingwhatthe
hellaShifterwasdoingintheirnicecornerofthecity,butGrahamdidn’tcare
rightnowwhattheythought.

Heturnedoutoftheneighborhoodandjoinedtrafficonthe215beforehe

racedoffonFlamingo,headingtotheflowershopinthismiddle-classsideof
town.Shiftersdidn’tcomeheremuch,confiningthemselvestothenorthsideof
LasVegasandthedesertnotfarbeyond.ThebighotelsontheStripand
downtowndidn’twantShiftersscaringawaytourists,soShiftersmostlystayed
away,eventhoughsomeShifterwomendancedatnightclubsasthe
entertainment.PissedGrahamoff,howEricWarden,theShiftertownleader,was
allrightwithShifterfemalesdoingexoticdancingforhumans.Oneofthemany
reasonsEricwasadickhead.

Misty’sflowershop—FlamingoFlowers—wasinastripmallwithothersmall

retailers,whichshouldhavebeenquietthisearlyonaSaturdaymorning.
Grahamknewsomethingwasseriouslywrong,evenbeforehesawthesmashed
glassinMisty’sdoorwayandthecopcarsalloverthelot.

Acoupleofcopssawhim,andGrahamhesitated.Heshouldgetthehelloutof

thereandhavenothingtodowiththecitypolice,butifheleft,he’dnotbeable
tohelpMisty.Shemightbeinthere,andifshewasn’t,heneededtogetinside
andsniffaroundtofigureoutwhereshe’dgone.

Hedecidedtoapproachasthoughhehadeveryrighttobethere.Shifters

weren’tbannedfromeverystoreintown,justmostofthem.Butnotthisone.
MistyhadsenseenoughtoknowthatShiftersweregoodcustomers.

Grahampulledhismotorcyclenexttooneofthecopcarsanddismounted.

Nextthingheknew,hewassurroundedbyfivecops,who’dallpulledtheir
weaponsonhim.OnecopbackedthoseupwithaTaser.

Graham’swolffoughttogetout,wantingtogointoafrenzythatwouldland

thecopsontheground,theirweaponsbroken.Heclenchedhisfists,fightingthe
aggressionhealwayshadahellofatimetaming.Whenhe’dlivedinmiddle-of-

nowhereNevada,inaShiftertownwherehiswordhadbeenlaw,Grahamhad
neverbothereddampingdownhiswolfinstincts.Nowhewasexpectedtolivein
acityofhumanswhotreatedhimlikehewassomebigscaryanimalthathad
escapedfromthezoo.

Hewantedtograbthegunsfromthecopsandbreakthem,justtoscarethem,

butGrahamdialeditback.HeneededtofindMisty.

Heliftedhishandstoshowtheywereempty.“Hey,thisismyfriend’sstore.I

needtomakesureshe’sallright.”

“Ahumanownsthisstore,”thecopclosesttoGrahamsaid.
“Well,noshit.Hername’sMisty—MelissaGranger.Shecalledme,scared.

Sheinthere?Issheallright?”

MaybewatchingEricdealwithhumansforthelasteightmonthshadtaught

Grahamsomething.Thecopsstilleyedhimwarilybutbelievedhisworriedtone.

“Noone’sinside,”theleadcopsaid.Hehadblackhairbuzzedshort,aflat

facewithacnescars,andabignose.HeheldhisBerettasteadily,stillpointingit
atGraham.“Placeistornup.”

“Buthertruck’shere.”Grahampointedattheblackpickupsittingquietlyina

spacealittlewayfromthecops.“Shewashere.Whereisshenow?”Hisfears
mountedashespoke.Hecouldn’tstopthegrowlinhisthroat,couldn’tstopthe
sparksonhisCollar.

“Thisisacrimescene,”theleadcopsaid.“Youdon’tneedtobehere,

Shifter.”

“No?Thisstorebelongstomyfriend.Myfriendmightbeintrouble.Idon’t

seeyoudoinganythingaboutit.”

Thepistoldidn’twaver.“Whydon’tyougobacktoShiftertownsowecando

ourjobs?”

“Whydon’tIgoonintheresoIcanlookaround?Maybefigureoutwhereshe

is?”

“Turano,callShifterDivision,”theleadcopsaid.“Weneedtocontainone.”
GrahamstaredathimandthenmovedhisgazetotheonecalledTurano,who

wasreachingforhisradio.

“Aw,screwthisshit.”
Thecopstensed,expectinghimtochargethroughthem,butGrahamturned

hisbackandwalkedaway,makingforhismotorcycle.Hemadeashowof
startinghisbike,givingthecopsacollectivedirtylook,beforehepulledoutof
theparkinglot.

Grahamrodedownthestreetandaroundthecorner,thentookthedelivery

entranceintothealleybehindtheshops.Therewasonecopcarbackthere,and
onecop.Grahamroaredup,dismountedhisbike,andheadedforthebackdoor.

“Hey!”
WhenGrahamdidn’tstop,thecopdrew.Grahamwhirledaroundandhadthe

pistoloutoftheman’shandandbrokenintotwopiecesbeforethemancould
react.

Whenthecopopenedhismouthtoyell,Grahampunchedhim,onceinthe

face,thenonceinthetemple.Thecopfoldedup,andGrahamloweredhim
gentlytorestagainstthewall.

“Sweetdreams.”Grahamsteppedaroundthecopandthroughthedoor,which

ledtothebackofficeandstorage.

Thethicksteeldoorhadn’tbeenforced,whichmeantithadbeenopenedfrom

theinside.Probablybywhoeverhadbrokenintakingthebackwayout.Aglance
intotheshoprevealedamess:flowers,glass,andwaterallovertheplace.A
dripperthatranconstantlyinsidetherefrigeratedsectionhadbrokenopen,
turningtherefrigeratorintoalake.Thewaterwasn’tgushinganymore,which
meantsomeonehadbeensmartenoughtoturnitoff.

Grahamstayedoutofsightofthecopspickingtheirwaythroughthesceneat

thefrontdoor.Hedidn’thavetogoallthewayintotheshopthough.Hesmelled
Misty’sblood,alongwiththescentsoffour—no,five—humans.Humanswho
smokedheavily,hadn’tbathedinacoupleofdays,andonewho’dbeen
partakingofweed.

Grahamgotallthatfromafewlongsniffs.Healsoscentedthatthey’dtaken

Mistyoutbackandloadedherintoavehicle.Hegrowled,hisbloodheatingwith
rage,andwentbackoutside.

Thedaywasalreadywarm,AugustinsouthernNevada.Heatmadescents

brighter.Grahamsmelledmotorcyclesandacarortruck,andthesehadtaken
Mistyaway.Toobadscentcouldn’ttellhimthemakeandmodelsofthevehicles
andwherethey’dbeenheading.Grahamonlyknewthey’dtakenMisty.

Hesteppedovertheunconsciouscop,starteduphisbike,androdeout.Amile

downtheroad,hepulledintoanotheremptyparkinglot,tookouthiscellphone,
andmadeacall.

“Hey,”hesaidtotheShifterwhoanswered.“I’mgonnaneedsomebackup.”

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