Fennir and Keenan tossed me at our mother's feet. They stepped back from me, but I didn't move. I remained curled up, clinging to my abdomen. If I had conceived, no one would touch me. All my hopes and wishes hinged entirely on the conception of Mhor's young. If I carried them, I would be his alpha, and I would be with the male I loved.
"Arise, Zora," Mother said in a low voice.
"I will not," I replied, hugging my waist.
"What you have done has shamed us."
"Forcing me to mate with Thelmos would have shamed us more!" My head snapped up and I glared at her. "I chose Mhor from the beginning. My injury was an accident. Father simply doesn't wish to let me go."
Mother drew a deep breath and brushed her rich brown curls back from her bronze forehead. "I am forced to discipline you for your
