Carmen didn't tell us everything.
Not at first. She waited until we were all sitting in the garage office, cups of cold coffee in our hands, the dog curled up at Damon's feet.
"There's something you need to know," she said. "About your mother."
Tío Ray stiffened. "Carmen."
"She deserves the truth, Ray."
He didn't argue.
Carmen pulled out a worn photograph. Same one as before. My mom. Carmen. The symbol on the wall.
"Your mother wasn't just a wolf. She was the Circle's target long before you were born. They wanted her blood. Her power. Her life." Carmen set the photo on the desk. "She escaped twice. Third time, she didn't."
"She was murdered by Hale," I said.
"By Hale. But the Circle was behind it. They hired him. Paid him to kill her and take you."
The words hit like a punch.
"T
