~Zoe~
The man smiled, revealing teeth that were just a touch too sharp to be entirely human. "Mr. Stone is otherwise engaged this morning. Council business, I'm afraid. I'm Elder Thorne."
My stomach dropped. I recognized the name from the files Caleb had shown me—Victor Thorne, head of the Council that governed the werewolf packs.
"You sent that text," I said, reaching for my phone. "From Caleb's number."
"A necessary deception," Thorne admitted, stepping closer. "But my concern for Ms. Winters is quite genuine, I assure you."
"Right," I said, my voice dripping skepticism. "That's why you're trying to undermine the only person actively trying to help her."
Thorne's smile didn't waver, but something cold flickered behind his eyes. "You're remarkably well-informed for a human who stum
