I turned my gaze toward Riley, the cold edge of my disdain enough to make a lesser wolf whimper. I wanted to tell her, “Not every predator is a scavenger like you,” but I realized I couldn't be bothered. Riley would only find a way to scent a lie in the truth.
In the heavy oak doorway of the den, Blake stood silhouetted against the hall light, his aura radiating a hostile, jagged energy. His eyes were fixed on me, narrowed with a suspicion that bordered on a snarl. "Was it the Alpha of Nova Star?" he demanded, his voice a low growl. "Is that how you climbed back into the light, Ava? By selling your loyalty to a rival pack?"
"The stars don't need permission to shine, Blake," I replied, my voice steady.
"To my office. Now," he commanded. I followed him into the inner sanctum of Turner Stu
