My mother's voice cut through the Greywood quiet. "Selene Ashford! You vanished from the church after the attack. You let the Blackthorn Pack tear apart every territory looking for you. Do you have any idea what that cost us?"
I didn't flinch. "I never asked you to look."
Damon stepped forward. "Who is he?" He meant Kael. I knew that tone—the possessive snap in it.
My mother answered before I could. "There's another wolf. That's why she ran so clean. Not that she's clever, but this? This is shameful."
Kael came away from the workshop doorway. He looked at me, then at them. "I'll take Rory inside. Call if you need me."
He didn't fight for me. He didn't talk over me. He just gave me room to choose. I was grateful for that.
Damon locked eyes with me. "Come home, Selene. We can talk ther
