“She killed her f*****g self,” Julian snapped. “She didn’t give you a chance to save her life. Instead she stabbed you. Repeatedly.” Nicholas dragged his fingers through my hair, soothingly scratching at my scalp with his stubby fingernails. I leaned into him, burying my face in his chest. I was a sobbing, bloody mess. I couldn’t think straight. My sister was dead. My wolf was back. Everything was too hot, too much. I felt like I was falling apart. Nicholas was my anchor. He didn’t once let me go. In my ear, his voice was a quiet rumble, “We have to check your wounds…” I shook my head, vehemently against moving even an inch away from him. He was warmth and safety. His presence smoothed some of the rankled fears within me. “Please, Piper…” Nicholas whispered. “For me.” For… Nicholas

