Riana led Wesley to the far end of the porch where it was a quiet, shaded alcove shielded from the guards, her friends, and Raphael’s watchful eyes. The moonlight spilled over the wooden planks, soft but cold, and the breeze carried the scent of pine and the last traces of smoke from the brief fight outside among the packs.
She stood with her back straight, arms crossed over her chest, chin lifted in command. The cuts on her cheek and the bruises on her collarbone only sharpened her presence, making her look fierce and untouchable.
“You have four minutes and thirty seconds left,” she said flatly, refusing to give him even her full attention.
Wesley scoffed, though a reluctant half-smile tugged at his lips. “That’s cheating. I didn’t even get a full announcement.”
“That was th
