Luna's Redemption.

Long shadows were being thrown through the trees that surrounded the pack grounds as the sun began to drop. Jane could hardly believe how beautiful the dense forest canopy was, allowing golden light to stream through. Anxiety permeated every beat of her pounding heart. It was meant to be the night that would permanently alter her life.

She was correct in a sense, but not in the way she had intended.

Jane's fingers trembled as she smoothed down her plain dress, which was a dramatic contrast to her olive skin because of the delicate white fabric. A hand-me-down from another pack member, it was the prettiest thing she owned, but she prayed it would be enough for tonight. Rumours circulated that after calling a meeting, Marcus, the Alpha of the pack, would reveal his mate, his Luna.

Deep down in her spirit, Jane had sensed that bond, that tug. She was certain that Alpha Marcus was her mate because all werewolves have a predetermined partner. The way her heart raced whenever he was close, the way her senses were alerted whenever she smelt him. Despite their sparse communication beyond their assigned pack tasks, she had managed to persuade herself that Marcus shared her sentiments.

For the most part of her life, Jane had lived a solitary life as an Omega, keeping her head down. The lowest-ranking wolves in the pack, known as omegas, were frequently viewed as weak, invisible at worst, or as servants at best. Until the pull of the mate bond gave her hope, she had accepted her fate. Everything would change if Marcus decided to make her his Luna. At last, she would be acknowledged and appreciated.

Jane stood outside the centre courtyard, waiting for Marcus to arrive as her heart raced. The pack had gathered there. The wolves congregated and engaged in animated conversation, all eyes fixed on the elevated platform where the Alpha was scheduled to deliver his statement. Jane glanced over and saw Marcus positioned in the middle, his bulk taking up the entire area. His piercing blue eyes peered out over the throng, his dark hair falling just above his shoulders.

Jane's heart faltered as their gazes locked. That was it. He intended to reveal her. He was forced to.

When Marcus cleared his throat, the group became quiet. Jane could not breathe because of the intense excitement in the air.

Marcus said, "I have an important announcement to make regarding the future of our pack tonight," in a deep, powerful voice.

Jane felt her heart quicken. She clenched her fingers into fists, waiting for him to say something more.

"It is my responsibility as Alpha to select a Luna who will stand by my side-someone who is powerful, competent, and deserving of the title." For a split second, his eyes flitted to Jane, and she thought she saw something in them: pity?

Though her heart sunk a little, she ignored the uncertainty. All he was nervous about was that.

Marcus said, "And I've made my decision," in a firm and unambiguous tone. It's time for our pack to advance and strengthen under the leadership of a Luna with my strength and vision matched. I've located my soul mate.

The pack exhaled in unison, breathless with anticipation, but Jane stayed motionless, her heart stuck in her throat. That was it. The following few seconds held the key to her entire future.

"I, Alpha Marcus, decline to be your mate, Jane of the Crescent Moon pack."

The world appeared to come to an end. Jane let out a sharp, ragged gasp, and as his words reverberated in her ears, her vision became blurry.

Her knees trembled, and she briefly believed she may give way. The weight of the rejection bearing down on her like a physical force caused the deafening quiet to fall. She sensed the pack's icy, critical gaze on her.

She had been rejected by Marcus.

No. This was not possible. She was meant to be the one. She was meant to be his partner. This has to be an error.

She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Her mind was frantic trying to figure out what had occurred, but her body appeared to have shut down and was not accepting reality.

Marcus said, "I deserve a Luna who is strong," in a harsh and unpleasant tone. "Not an Omega who can hardly hold her own, but someone who can lead by my side." Jane is not deserving of the Luna title. I refuse to subject myself to weakness.

A soft chuckle permeated the group. A few cast scornful glances at her, while others hardly gave her a second thought, treating her as though she were nothing.

Jane felt her stomach turn. She thought she would pass out in front of everyone there. She stepped back, her legs barely holding her weight, hands shaking.

This was not true. It is not possible. Mate relationships were sacred. It was not something that was easily discarded.

Marcus demanded, his voice harsh and merciless, "Leave." "This place no longer welcomes you."

Tears began to form in Jane's eyes, clouding her view. She felt as though the mate bond-that profound, innate connection-was being torn apart, splitting her heart in two. Even in her lowest points as an Omega, she had never experienced such anguish. This was intolerable pain that went straight to the soul.

Jane did not say another word, turning and running through the crowd and into the woods with her feet moving automatically. She was followed by the pack's whispers, which sliced through the atmosphere like blades.

"Oddly Omega."

"She genuinely believed she might be Luna?"

"What a farce."

She kept hearing their hurtful remarks, each one more painful than the last. She ran until she could no longer hear the sounds of the pack, and the trees wrapped her entirely. She broke down in tears and went on her knees at that same moment.

She had never experienced anything like the raw, burning aching in her chest, which would not go away. She had been turned down and ignored as if she didn't exist. Even worse, the group witnessed her humiliation. They had seen her fall completely and completely short.

She was now without a future. Not a spot in the group. Nothing.

Her sobbing shook her whole body as her hands clutched at the earth underneath her. How could he subject her to this? How could he turn her down so quickly? She really did think that they were meant to be together. that their relationship was genuine.

However, that wasn't it?

How foolish, how blind she had been. After all, she was only an Omega. It was not her place to even wish to be Luna. That had become brutally obvious from Marcus.

Jane was rescued from her depressing spiral by the sound of approaching footsteps. Tears blurring her vision, she looked up to see a man come out of the trees. Her pulse briefly raced with hope, believing that Marcus could have changed his mind and come to his senses.

It wasn't Marcus, though.

It was Marcus's closest ally and one of the more senior shewolves, Selena. She peered down at Jane from a towering stance, her expression distant and cold.

With a tone full of contempt, Selena remarked, "I figured you'd run off to cry." "Disgusting."

Jane tried to stand, wiping her eyes with the back of her palm, but her legs felt weak, like if they would collapse at any second.

"What brings you here?" Jane asked in a barely audible whisper.

With her arms folded across her chest, Selena answered, "To make sure you leave." "Marcus wants you to stay away from the pack at all. He has made that quite apparent.

Jane winced as though someone had hit her. The words hurt. Marcus would not pursue her, of course. He had turned her down, ignored her. What happened to her now did not concern him.

Jane acknowledged, her voice faltering, "I... I have nowhere to go." "This is my pack."

She peered around the familiar woods that had once been her home, feeling both nervous and unfriendly. Although she was certain that she couldn't stay, she wasn't sure where she would go or what to do.

She turned and walked away without saying anything more, her feet unhurried and deliberate. Selena watched her go, making sure she was permanently out of the area.

Jane's heart still ached from rejection, and every step felt like a burden weighing her down. Now she had nothing. not a family. Not a pack. Not going to happen.

But even in the depths of despair, a tiny, rebellious flame glowed within her. She wasn't broken, even though she was an Omega and might face rejection. Not quite yet.

Jane vanished into the night as the sun finally set, taking with it the only life she had ever known.

And though she didn't know it yet, this was not the end of her story.

It was only the beginning.

Jane's feet hammered the forest floor as she dashed more into the trees, her breath coming out loud and shallow. The thick forest stretched out in front of her, and the velvety moss didn't do much to ease the throbbing pain in her legs. Even if she wanted to give up, the intense hurt of being rejected kept pulling at her chest and pushing her onwards.

She just knew she needed to get away; she had no idea where she was headed. She needed to get away from the pack, Marcus, and everything that brought back memories of the life she had lost in an instant. Not only was she rejected as a mate, but it was also a public humiliation and a harsh reminder that she was nothing more than a helpless Omega, undeserving of respect and love.

She let out a sour laugh. adoration. It had been silly of her to believe that an Alpha like Marcus could ever love someone like her. She had ignored the reality that had been staring her in the face for years, choosing instead to base her optimism on illusions and fantasies. Born to serve rather than to command, she was an Omega. not to be cherished.

Pale beams of light were thrown across the trail ahead as moonlight penetrated beneath the canopy. The woods had an eerie silence that made it seem as though the trees were holding their breath and waiting for something. Jane stopped walking and rested her head on a nearby tree. Her chest was pounding.

She hadn't eaten since the morning, and the lack of food and her mental exhaustion were starting to get to her. Thoughts racing in spite of the cool night air, her mind whirled and her stomach twisted as she placed her face against the rough bark.

Though her heart still ached, the most painful thing was the bone-deep loneliness. She had been an afterthought, living on the periphery of the pack for as long as she could remember. And now that Marcus had rejected her, she really was by herself.

The sound of a twig snapping reached Jane, and her ears twitched. Her senses were instantly acutely aware as she whipped her head around, surveying the pitch-black woodland. She was now well outside of the pack's boundaries, exploring the boundaries of renegade territory. She had heard tales of wolves that had chosen to live wild and untamed or who had been expelled from the pack organisation. Unpredictable and dangerous wolves.

Even though her heart was racing, she pushed herself to stop. It was too late to bring her back now. She was clearly not welcome in the pack, and returning would have meant running the danger of even more humiliation. No, she needed to keep going.

One more picture. It was closer this time.

Jane felt her muscles stiffen as she peered over the treetops, her wolf instincts telling her to proceed with caution. Although she had keen hearing, it was challenging to identify the precise source of the sound due to the thick jungle. The sound of leaves rustling in the light breeze lingered for a while.

Abruptly, a deep rumble broke the stillness.

Jane went cold. Her eyes raced about, attempting to find the location of the sound, and her heart raced a beat. Her legs felt as though they were immobile, despite her instincts telling her to run.

A figure moved with such fluid grace that it sent shivers down her spine as it emerged from the shadows. Despite the darkness partially masking his great stature, the force emanating from him was unmistakable. She was first drawn to his earthy, untamed, and unmistakably wolf scent. not belonging to her pack. Not even near.

When the stranger entered the moonlight, Jane found herself gasping for air. She had never seen a wolf like him before. His dark hair framed a face that was both rugged and deadly, and his eyes flashed an unsettling amber. Under his black shirt, his muscles strained, and his movements resembled a predator pursuing its prey.

"I was surprised to see someone in the middle of the forest," the man remarked, his voice low and dangerously edged. "Especially not roaming alone, an Omega."

Jane's voice became tighter. With a cautious step back, she attempted to think of what to do, her thoughts racing. It was unclear whether this wolf, who wasn't part of her group, was her friend or enemy. She could tell he wasn't coming to help, though, by the way he was observing her with his piercing look.

"I...Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she said, "I was just passing through." "I'm leaving soon."

The man cocked his head, curiosity shining in his amber eyes. "Going through? or fleeing?

Jane felt her heart quicken. He wasn't enquiring. He was aware already.

She stepped back again and replied, "I'm not looking for trouble," her eyes darting to the trail behind her. Perhaps if she could leave in silence, he would become bored and let her go.

The man's mouth twisted into a menacing smile. "Whether or not you're seeking problems, it will come to you."

He moved before Jane could respond, his speed becoming hazy as he suddenly got closer to her. His firm but not painful grip on her wrist caused her heart to lurch as she was forced to look into his eyes.

"Are you from elsewhere in the area?" With a tone that was both serene and dangerously undertoned, he questioned. "You don't smell like any of the local packs."

Jane forcefully gulped, her heart pounding in her throat. "I was..." I belonged to the pack known as Crescent Moon.

Recognition flared in the man's eyes. "Red Moon, you say? That is the pack of Alpha Marcus.

When Marcus's name was spoken, Jane winced, and the man's keen eyes saw it. His eyes sharpened, and he slightly tightened his grip on her wrist.

"Are you not fleeing from him?" He questioned in a quiet voice. "What action did he take? eject you?"

She was not sure how much to reveal, so she waited. However, there was an act about the way he observed her that gave her the impression that he understood beyond what he was revealing.

Jane finally said, her voice scarcely audible, "He... rejected me."

The man's eyes flickered with surprise as his expression changed. Did they reject you? as his mate?

Unable to look him in the eye, Jane nodded. She wanted nothing more than to dissolve into the dirt because the guilt of it seared her from the inside out.

The man released his hold on her wrist and laughed quietly and darkly. "Marcus, the arrogant bastard, always."

Jane blinked, not understanding his response. "Are you familiar with him?"

The man smirked and stepped back, releasing her entirely. "I am aware of him. Well, the majority of wolves here do. It's not quite the case that he is humble.

Jane watched the stranger nervously, unsure of how to react, so she remained mute. Something about him made her doubt that he was as terrible as he had initially seemed, even if he still seemed ominous.

Holding out his hand as if they were meeting for the first time, he identified himself as Zander. Even though his voice was a little quieter now, it was still commanding.

Jane looked at his hand, not sure if she should accept it or not. She couldn't quite place the name, even though it seemed familiar. She extended her arm slowly, shaking her hand as she did so.

Still feeling the weight of his stare on her, she said, "Jane."

Zander said again, "Jane," his eyes narrowing slightly as if he were trying out the pronunciation of her name. "Well, Jane, you would keep moving if you were wise." Now when you're in trouble, remember that not everyone is as courteous as I am.

Jane took a deep breath. Even though she knew she was going into perilous terrain, the truth of her circumstances hit home when she heard it said out.

Her voice faltered under the weight of her admission, "I don't have anywhere else to go." "I'm no longer accepted in the pack. Marcus saw to it.

Zander's face became serious, and for a split second, it appeared as though he was going to speak, but he just nodded.

After a protracted silence, he remarked, "If that's the case, you'll need to learn how to survive out here." Intruders are not welcomed by rovers, especially not pack wolves.

Jane felt her gut twist. She had heard tales about untamed, capricious, and frequently aggressive wolves. For most pack wolves, living among them was a death sentence. What other option did she have, though? It was impossible to go back to Crescent Moon. It was obvious that Marcus thought she was unimportant. To remain in his domain would be to invite further risk and disgrace.

Zander groaned and ran a hand through his black hair, perhaps noticing the confusion on her expression. "Hey, I don't typically give this advice, but You are welcome to accompany me. For the time being, however. My pack is not far away from here.

Jane felt her heart skip a beat. His rucksack? Did he not act like a rogue?

Incredulous, she said, "You're an Alpha?" in her voice.

Zander gave a sly smile. "In a way."

Her thoughts were swirling with his proposal. Even for a short period, she didn't know who Zander truly was, but it sounded better than going through rogue territory and being lost. She felt that maybe, just maybe, she could trust him since, at least, he hadn't attacked her and because of the way he carried himself, which was strong and self-assured but not harsh.

"What's the deal?" Jane questioned while folding her arms across her chest.

Zander laughed. "No catch. You'll be alright as long as you don't make any problems. Although my pack doesn't treat outsiders well, I can attest to your kindness.

After a little period of hesitation, she nodded. She was running out of alternatives, and something told her that this was her only opportunity to make it out alive.

"All right," she mutely said. "I'll accompany you."

Zander's look softened and became almost kind, but it vanished as soon as it appeared.

"Well done," he remarked. "Remain near."

Jane followed him into the forest's darkness, her heart racing with doubt. She didn't know what to expect from Zander's pack, but anything was preferable to having to deal with Marcus's rejection on her own.

The weight of all that had happened started to descend on her again as they walked. Her home, her pack, and the future she had imagined were all gone. Even though she was still deeply hurt by Marcus's rejection, she forced herself to look forward and ignored it.

Zander moved steadily and silently through the jungle, not saying anything. Jane trailed closely behind, her eyes flitting apprehensively through the darkness. She became agitated at the sound of leaves rustling and branches snapping. However, Zander exuded total confidence, acting as if the forest were his domain.

They soon came to a little clearing, and when Jane saw what it was-a secret camp tucked away deep in the forest-her breath caught in her throat. She noticed several improvised shelters and wolves moving around, but the atmosphere of mystery that pervaded the area caught her attention the most.

Jane could feel the wolves' eyes on her as Zander led her into the camp, their expressions a mixture of distrust and curiosity. She followed Zander with her head down, trying not to notice the looks.

Zander said, gesturing to an unoccupied shelter close to the camp's edge, "You'll stay here." "It may not be much, but it is preferable to nothing."

Jane nodded, thankful for the cover but uneasy nonetheless. She was clueless about the type of pack this was and where she would fit in. She didn't expect to have a roof over her head, but for the time being, it was enough.

Jane's body gave in to the tiredness that had been eating away at her for hours as Zander left and she collapsed onto the makeshift bed. For now, all she could do was close her eyes and let sleep overwhelm her; she had no idea what the next day held.

Her thoughts turned back to Marcus in the shadows, and the intense hurt of his rejection overcame her once more. But she made herself ignore it this time.

She had left Crescent Moon behind. Marcus was no longer a part of her.

She had to figure out how to make it in this new life of hers.

Thus, she was at a loss for what to do.

Jane awakened up to the sound of rustling leaves and quiet murmuring, the first light of dawn leaking through the holes in her makeshift shelter. She momentarily lost track of her location. But then everything from the previous night came flooding back, including her encounter with Zander, her desperate escape through the forest, and Marcus's terrible rejection.

Her mind strayed to the mysterious Alpha, who had stepped in to save her and extended an invitation to join his pack. She could sense that he was dangerous, even though she wasn't sure what to think of him yet. His amber eyes and his words had a hint of harshness that made her stay vigilant. And she had shuddered at the ease with which he moved through the trees.

He hadn't hurt her, though. He'd even made the extra effort to promise her safety. That in itself was more generosity than she'd encountered in a long time. She might be able to trust him after all.

Jane sat up slowly and stretched, wrinkling from the strain on her muscles after her long run. She took a quick look around the tiny hut Zander had shown her last night. It was a modest, basic building with a straw bed and a little table constructed of wood and strong branches. However, it was sufficient. For the time being.

The whispers outside became more audible as she threw her legs over the edge of the bed. Jane, her curiosity piqued, got up and walked towards the door, easing the frayed cloth aside far enough to allow a glimpse of herself.

The camp was already a flurry of activity, with everyone stirring. In their human bodies, wolves were moving around and chatting quietly as they got ready for the day. There was a tangible electricity in the air that combined purpose and urgency. Jane couldn't help but observe that this pack felt very different from Crescent Moon. The wolves in this area were more reserved and intent, and every interaction seemed to carry a hint of tension.

A couple of wolves gave her a quick glance before averting their eyes and going back to work. Although no one came up to her, she could sense their interest and mistrust. Here, she was an alien, a stranger among them. They were also observing her.

Jane inhaled deeply before leaving the shelter and feeling the crisp morning air caress her skin. To discover her place in this new pack, she had to locate Zander. But there was no trace of him when she looked about the camp.

Something behind her startled her.

"You have to be the new person."

Jane turned and saw a tall woman with her arms folded across her chest standing a few feet away. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders in waves, and her cheekbones were strikingly sharp. Her penetrating green eyes glanced over Jane, a mixture of caution and interest.

The woman said, "I'm Claire," in a calm but friendly voice. "Zander informed me of you."

Jane nodded, experiencing a sharp spike in anxiety. "My name is Jane."

Claire inclined her head, appearing to be thinking about something, and her eyes softened somewhat. "You are the one who Marcus turned down."

Even though it wasn't a question, the statement's frankness nonetheless hurt. Jane forced herself to nod after taking a deep breath. "Yes."

Claire's lips formed a thin line, and for an instant, Jane believed she noticed a glint of sympathy in her gaze. However, it vanished as soon as it emerged.

"You'll notice that things are different here," Claire remarked, pointing to the nearby camp. "Zander's pack isn't really rank-sensitive. Wolves like you who don't belong anywhere else are taken in by us.

The gravity of the words weighed heavily in the air. Wolves are similar to you. Jane felt her gut constrict. Her entire life, she had strived to fit in and demonstrate that she was more than simply an Omega. It didn't feel like belonging was the aim here, in this strange new group. It was survival.

"Zander, where are you?" In an attempt to divert attention, Jane enquired.

Claire glanced in the direction of the camp's edge. He's conducting reconnaissance. Recently, there has been an issue with rogues. He is not coming back anytime soon.

Rogues. Jane felt her heart skip a beat. She had heard the tales about wolves that were vicious and ferocious, living alone without packs. However, she had never thought that she would be residing so near them.

Claire gave her a tiny, almost comforting grin, as if sensing the anxiety in her expression. "Never fear. Zander is capable of managing them.

Jane nodded, but her fears were not much eased by the assurance. She was still unsure about her existence in this pack and what Zander wanted from her. She could only trust him for the time being, though.

"It's time for you to eat," Claire gestured to some wolves that were huddled around a fire. "Food is located over there. Furthermore, they won't bite, so relax.

Jane was able to smile a little in return when she heard Claire's hint of a smile in her voice. "Gratitude."

Jane was left standing by herself in the centre of the camp as Claire nodded and turned to go. Jane thought for a moment about going back to her shelter, but she continued forward because of the raging hunger in her stomach.

The wolves surrounding the fire looked up as she got closer, their voices dying away. Jane saw their gaze upon her, laden with unsaid enquiries. However, nobody said, and after a few awkward moments, everybody went back to eating.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Jane took a seat at a nearby log, keeping her distance from the others. Her stomach rumbled as she noticed the enormous pot over the fire, filling the air with the aroma of roasted meat. A young man with sandy hair, one of the wolves, grunted and barely made eye contact as he brought her a bowl.

Jane took the bowl and spooned up some stew, muttering, "Thanks." She tried to monitor the dynamics of the pack while eating in silence and keeping her senses acutely aware.

The differences in this pack were quickly apparent. Very dissimilar. Unlike in Crescent Moon, there were no overt ranks or overt manifestations of submission or dominance. Here, the wolves moved with a quiet confidence that Jane found both fascinating and unnerving. They appeared more like equals.

Jane's mind returned to Zander as she was finishing her dinner. Despite their brief acquaintance, she found it difficult to move on from him. It was obvious that he was powerful. However, there was more than that-something murkier and more enigmatic. It also gave her pause.

She didn't have much time to think about it before she became aware of some noise near the camp's perimeter. The wolves surrounding the fire tensed up, turning to face the source of the commotion, their eyes narrowing.

Zander had returned.

With a demeanour of composed might, he marched into the camp while examining every wolf and movement in the clearing with his amber eyes. Two other wolves trailed behind him, both exuding the undeniable tension of a mission gone awry.

Jane felt her heart quicken as Zander fixed his impenetrable eyes on her. She wasn't expecting to feel so uneasy around him, but there was something about the way he stared at her that made her feel vulnerable, like though he could see right through her barriers.

Instead of going straight to her, he turned to talk to the wolves that had joined him. Jane observed their sombre features as they conversed quietly. It hadn't been good, whatever had transpired outside.

Zander finally parted from the group and approached her after a short while. Jane stood, feeling her heartbeat pick up as he got closer.

"You're conscious," he uttered in a steady, low tone.

Unsure of what to say, Jane nodded.

Zander's gaze swept across her, evaluating her with the same acuteness as the previous evening. "How are you feeling?"

"Weary," Jane said. "But, better, I believe."

Zander nodded slightly, but his face stayed expressionless. Alright. You'll require your fortitude.

Jane took a deep breath as his words became a burden for her. "What is happening? Claire made a comment on rogues.

Zander's amber eyes appeared to darken momentarily, and his jaw tensed. "Rogue activity has increased in the vicinity of our borders. greater than typical.

Jane felt her gut twist. "Do you believe they have any plans?"

Zander widened his eyes. "I'm not sure. I am aware.

The assurance in his voice sent a shiver down Jane's back. Zander wasn't one to make snap judgements, so if he was positive, it meant she wasn't in as much danger as she thought.

Zander went on, "We've been keeping them at bay, but it's only a matter of time until they make a significant move."

As Jane attempted to process the information, her mind raced. Always a threat from a distance, rogues were something to be wary of but not often encountered. However, it appeared that they were now far closer than she had ever thought.

She asked, her voice hardly audible above a whisper, "What do they want?"

Zander's visage hardened as his eyes darted towards the jungle. "Region. Strength. Mastery. They've been circling, trying to get past our defences, for weeks. They're trying to find a vulnerability.

Jane experienced a chilly knot in her gut. Although she was unfamiliar with rogues, she knew enough about them to know that they were vicious and erratic. Her pack wouldn't be able to ignore it if they were preparing an attack.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" she enquired, startling even herself.

Jane briefly believed she saw a spark of something-like approval-in Zander's eyes as he turned back to face her.

"You can avoid trouble," he stated plainly.

Jane scowled. "I mean business. I would like to assist.

Zander looked at her for a considerable amount of time, his eyes narrowing slightly as though he were analysing her remarks. At last, he gave a cautious nod, keeping his face neutral.

Quietly, he remarked, "There might come a time when we'll need every wolf to fight." "But for now, just concentrate on settling in."

Jane felt like arguing, like she could offer more to the conversation than just staying out of trouble. However, there was a hint in Zander's voice that now wasn't the right moment to press.

"Okay," she replied, her words belying the underlying irritation behind them.

Zander nodded curtly to her and turned to leave, his shoulders tensed as though the world were pressing down on them.

Jane had a million questions running through her head as she watched him leave. Regarding the outlaws, Zander, and her role in this new pack. After escaping one nightmare, she was sucked into yet another.

She also couldn't get rid of the notion that her problems wouldn't go away.