The next morning, my phone's alarm yanked me out of sleep, the reminder flashing with a note I'd set weeks ago.
Today Patricia's throwing a party.
I'd picked out her gift before everything went to hell, but now, staring at it, I hesitated.
My parents probably didn't want me there, but this was my last chance to see them.
Plus, I had some things left in my old room I needed to grab.
I threw on some clothes and headed out.
Damien rolled down the window, his voice flat as ever.
"Patricia's party isn't something you skip. Get in."
Since we'd bound ourselves, he'd dodged every visit to my family's place like it was cursed. But now, with Chloe back from other packs, here he was, ready to play the dutiful mate. I didn't need to guess who he was really showing up for.
We pulled up to the
