“Take a deep breath, sweetheart.” Kade chuckled in my ear, but I was not oblivious to the tension in his own emotions.We were being escorted down to the second floor, where the meeting would take place. The entire floor was heavily guarded, and was much wider and more open than the other floors.“Do not speak unless you’re called on.” A tan-skinned woman in a pencil skirt warned Kade and I. She walked effortlessly in her heals, swaying her hips like a runway model. “If they wish for you to speak, they’ll call on you. That’s your chance. You can also call as many witnesses as you please, so those you came with are free to speak on your behalf.”Kade and I had been debriefed as much as possible, but nothing could prepare us for what the outcome might be. Other than Marcus Novak, we hadn’t a clue what the other High Table members might want.I adjusted the dress I wore and grimaced as the rigid mat

Marcus Novak considered himself a collector, but things became difficult when your possessions were living humans with thoughts, feelings, and a will of their own.  His own son had slowly begun to turn against him, though not for the same reasons most would. For reasons completely unknown to the three of us, Zayne Novak needed a group of ten white wolves transported from his father's territory.  It was strictly a stealth mission; in and out. The white wolves would be deposited at the edge of Marcus's territory by an ally. Our job is to transfer those white wolves to our territory. Being caught would ensure a huge mess, one most of us might not escape from. Marcus Novak would have all rights to attack us for taking something of his. If we were to be the ones venturing on his territory--death sentence. So long as Marcus remained in the dark, all parties were safe. "Naveah and Isaac, they're the most important.

"Welcome, everyone." Marcus called out to the room, turning hushed whispers into silence. His suit was navy blue this time, which made his eyes seem brighter and more vibrant. This man was what most strived to be; attractive, charismatic, wealthy and powerful.That's what's dangerous about the soul. No matter how beautiful you are on the outside, no matter what favors your appearance gains you, the soul can rot from the inside out.Many of the murmurs were regarding Desmond Deville's sudden absence. I listened to each and every one, forcing myself to remain calm."As I'm sure you all have noticed, we are missing a certain table member." Marcus lifted an eyebrow towards the room full of witnesses. He turned to face where I stood in particular, and though his eyes were not on me, I couldn't help but feel a bit paranoid. "Desmond Deville was called back to his pack sometime early this morning. There is nothing to worry about, simply a pack misunderstanding turned i

"They did it? They're safe?" I gasped, my hands covering my mouth as I gaped at Kade, my happiness was overrun with confusion. "Why were you feeling grief?""We lost a few of our men out there." He grimaced, "Typically Alec and I would visit the family ourselves to break the news, but Alec's not here, and home is far away.""I've done nothing but worry this entire time, and I can't take it anymore." I admitted with a sigh, "Now that we've held up our end, Zayne has no choice but to hold up his. I wouldn't be able to live with killing him, not when he's Tori's mate. You can rough him up a bit and hand him over to her though, I'm sure she'd enjoy that.""I wouldn't do that to her, not unless she approved." Kade promised with a small smile. I knew it went against his nature to leave a threat alive, but he couldn't go around picking off the High Table. I had already offed one member unintentionally, and I refused to let that number creep higher. "We will--"A

"You can't, not yet." Kade hissed, wrapping his arm around my waist to fasten me against his torso. This was the first I had felt from him since he was taken, and now the bond between us was pulling me forward. I only stopped squirming when I noticed Tori's red face, and how she was currently backed up against Zayne Novak. The two of them were flattened against the house. I didn't miss how his arm was wrapped around his waist, his fingers just an inch above her shirt line. His other hand still rested over her mouth, an attempt to silence her when the guard had come out to investigate. Her heart sounded like a distant helicopter, mirroring the sound of Zayne's. "Are you alright?" I asked her, when both Kade and Zayne finally let us go. "I'm fine." She huffed under her breath, which was a good enough answer for me at the moment. "Guys, I got the window open." Ava's sudden outburst made me jump, and instinctively place a hand against my chest. Av