16
Logan and Andrew discuss preparations for Alpha Drake’s imminent arrival, focusing on security given the potential threat from the Rogue King. Andrew, demonstrating his strategic thinking, proposes holding the meeting in the packhouse’s soundproof interrogation room, highlighting his proactive approach to risk mitigation. Their conversation reveals Andrew’s deep-seated hatred for rogues, stemming from the loss of his own parents and his protectiveness of Emma, who lost her parents to rogues as a child. “If the Rogue King finds out about the purpose of Drake’s visit, he will attack,” Logan growls, underscoring the high stakes.
The conversation shifts to Emma’s well-being after Sienna’s attack. Andrew assures Logan that Emma is recovering, with Amy providing support. “She is okay,” Andrew says, though a lingering concern remains. Despite his relief at Emma’s improved condition, Logan confesses to missing Emma intensely, highlighting his deep affection. The discussion touches upon Sienna’s ongoing antagonism towards Emma, puzzling Logan as he hasn’t witnessed Sienna’s cruelty firsthand: “I really didn’t know why Emma hated her so much.” Andrew mentions Emma’s previous complaints about Sienna’s mean behavior, creating a mystery surrounding the nature of their conflict.
The chapter concludes with an unresolved tension around Sienna’s motives and the upcoming meeting with Alpha Drake, further fueling anticipation for the coming conflict and the potential revelation of Sienna’s true intentions. The lingering mystery regarding Sienna’s behavior toward Emma and the Rogue King’s potential attack promises a dangerous confrontation in the following chapter, leaving the reader hanging on Emma’s fate and the pack’s ability to withstand the impending threat.
17
Emma, recovering from Sienna’s attack, awaits Amy’s arrival to prepare for the evening’s dinner honoring Alpha Drake. Unexpectedly, Jake visits, surprising her with a proposal: he wants her as his chosen mate. While Emma appreciates Jake’s feelings and past affection, she confesses she needs more time, citing lingering emotional turmoil and uncertainty following her true mate’s rejection and Eliza’s protests within her. Jake, understanding but heartbroken, assures her of his unwavering love and patience, emphasizing his prior discussion with Andrew regarding this possibility.
Despite Emma’s emotional struggle, Jake shows concern for her well-being after learning of her injuries, gently checking on her ribs. He expresses anger over her past vulnerability, revealing the depth of his affection and protectiveness. “I was so mad at you,” he confesses, mirroring Andrew’s earlier protectiveness of Emma, yet contrasting the earlier chapter’s focus on Andrew’s anger toward the rogues, shifting the focus to individual bonds. His tenderness softens the chapter’s earlier ominous tone, suggesting a potential counterpoint to the anticipated conflict at the Drake dinner.
The chapter ends with Jake’s departure, leaving Emma to prepare for the Alpha Drake dinner, the impending meeting with Alpha Drake and the lingering threat from the Rogue King still looming large. The contrast between the intimacy of Jake’s visit and the looming danger of the political gathering highlights the precarious balance of Emma’s life, leaving the reader to wonder if this respite will last amidst the escalating conflict. “Don’t do that ever again,” Jake says softly, a poignant reminder of the dangers Emma faces even as she grapples with personal matters.
18
Alpha Drake, his Beta Josh, and entourage arrive at Logan’s home for dinner, creating a tense atmosphere. Initial pleasantries mask underlying tensions as Drake openly admires Sienna, Logan’s chosen mate, commenting on her beauty and Logan’s bravery in choosing her. This seemingly innocuous observation sets the stage for a dramatic shift.
Emma’s unexpected arrival throws the carefully constructed social facade into chaos. Her stunning appearance in a black dress instantly captivates everyone present, particularly Drake, who openly expresses his desire for her, stating, “Goddess, have mercy…Who the hell is that?”. Logan is consumed by possessive rage, his inner wolf, Leon, roaring its displeasure; Andrew intervenes, calmly asserting Emma’s status as his sister and her right to choose her own mate, causing a direct clash with Alpha Drake’s blatant lust.
The ensuing conversation reveals the precariousness of Emma’s position. While Andrew defends her, Drake’s unabashed desire, “I have to say I am disappointed she is not mine,” highlights the danger she’s in, emphasizing the powerful Alpha’s blatant disregard for Andrew’s words. Logan’s fierce protectiveness, battling his internal conflict, and Emma’s unwitting presence amidst the power struggle sets the stage for a potentially explosive confrontation, leaving the reader to wonder how this situation will resolve.
19
Emma’s lingering arousal from a secret encounter fuels her unease as she navigates a tense dinner with Alpha Drake, his Beta, and Logan’s pack. Drake, openly admiring Emma’s beauty, boldly declares his desire to claim her as his mate, “I would gladly take you as my chosen mate. You are stunning,” causing a ripple of shock among the assembled wolves. Andrew, Emma’s protective brother, subtly reassures her via mind-link, assuring her, “Calm down, little one. I am not letting him near you,” while Logan simmers with barely controlled rage, his possessive instincts threatening to erupt into violence.
The blatant disregard for social etiquette and Andrew’s clear assertion of Emma’s autonomy further escalates the tension. Sienna, Logan’s mate, throws daggers with her eyes, her jealousy palpable. Drake, unfazed by the brewing storm, persists, suggesting he would be honored to have her as his Luna, even offering her the chance to choose him if she remains unmated. This fuels Logan’s fury, pushing him to the brink of a shift and threatening a potentially disastrous conflict between packs. Emma deftly attempts to de-escalate, subtly reassuring Logan with a mind-link, and cleverly deflects further advances from Drake.
The dinner concludes with a seemingly innocuous request from Luna Gloria. She asks Emma for help, leading her into a private bathroom, leaving both Emma and the reader wondering about the true nature of the Luna’s request, and what might happen next. Logan’s intense possessiveness remains a lurking threat, alongside Alpha Drake’s continued interest in Emma and the ever-present danger of a full-blown conflict erupting from Emma’s unwitting involvement in a power play between alphas.
20
Emma wakes feeling the lingering effects of Logan’s kiss, her desire for him clashing with the reality of her precarious situation. She avoids breakfast, seeking solace in the familiar routine of watching Amy and Jake train, yearning for normalcy amidst the turmoil. Instead, she finds herself ambushed in her own kitchen by Sienna, Logan’s mate, and a rogue wolf, who swiftly restrain her with silver handcuffs, cutting off her mind-link connection. Sienna’s chilling words, “It is time to get rid of you,” foreshadow imminent danger.
The rogue wolf’s crude suggestion, “Goddess, Sienna, do we really need to kill her? Can I keep her? She smells fantastic,” reveals his predatory intent and adds a layer of depravity to the kidnapping. The sudden attack underscores the escalating threat against Emma, highlighting Sienna’s active role in the plot against her, and emphasizing the danger posed not only by Alpha Drake, but also by those within Logan’s own pack. The scene ends with Emma completely at the mercy of her captors, leaving her fate uncertain.
The abduction throws Emma’s carefully constructed plans into disarray, ending her attempts to maintain a semblance of normalcy. The silver handcuffs, specifically designed to block mind-links, further isolates her, stripping her of her support network and leaving her vulnerable. Sienna’s betrayal, coupled with the rogue wolf’s presence, suggests a meticulously planned conspiracy, leaving readers questioning the extent of the conspiracy and who else might be involved, leaving her future uncertain and raising the stakes significantly.
21
Logan, alongside Andrew, waits anxiously in an interrogation room for Alpha Drake and his Beta, Josh. Drake reveals a terrifying discovery: rogue wolves are targeting packs with unmated young Alphas, driven by the Rogue King’s belief in a prophesied “True Luna,” a she-wolf destined to create a powerful new wolf line. Drake’s fear, a rare display for an Alpha, underscores the gravity of the situation. He describes this True Luna as exceptionally charismatic and caring, possessing unparalleled leadership qualities, drawing strength from her pack’s love, not inherent magic. The revelation that the Rogue King seeks this she-wolf to strengthen his own pack and potentially overthrow theirs leaves both Logan and Andrew shaken.
The discussion intensifies as Drake details the Rogue King’s plan to capture the True Luna and make her his mate. Logan’s heart pounds, fearing the possibility that Emma is the prophesied she-wolf, despite his initial disbelief in her strength and power. “Neither you nor I have found our true mates,” Drake admits, the unspoken fear hanging heavy in the air. “But it makes me terrified that she is in danger, whoever she is,” his words echo Logan’s own anxieties. Andrew, already simmering with rage against rogues, reacts violently upon learning that the rogues are searching for a “pure white wolf,” a detail that speaks volumes about Emma’s identity.
Andrew’s explosive reaction, throwing a chair in a fit of rage, leaves no doubt in Logan’s mind. The implication is clear: Emma, with her distinctive white fur, fits the description of the prophesied True Luna. The chapter ends with Logan’s frantic desire to find Emma, his fear for her safety overriding all other concerns, leaving the reader suspended between dread and urgent anticipation.
22
Sienna, nursing a head wound, reveals a shocking truth: Emma, Logan’s potential mate, attacked her. Sienna claims Emma, enraged at Sienna’s presence, lashed out, verbally abusing her and ultimately physically assaulting her before fleeing into the woods, possibly crossing the border into rogue territory. Andrew, already on edge about rogue activity, is devastated by this revelation, while Logan struggles to reconcile this violent act with his knowledge of Emma’s gentle nature. The scene is tense, filled with disbelief and mounting anxiety.
The gravity of the situation deepens with the arrival of Alpha Drake and Beta Josh. Drake, initially skeptical of Sienna’s account (“That doesn’t sound like Emma”), is challenged by Sienna’s insistence that Emma insulted her, a fact confirmed by Logan and Andrew. The conflict between Sienna and Drake highlights differing perspectives on Emma’s character, creating a rift as Drake adamantly defends Emma’s inherent goodness. Logan, caught between defending his potential mate and acknowledging Sienna’s injury, finds himself increasingly agitated, particularly by Drake’s initial dismissal.
Tensions reach a fever pitch as Sienna asserts that Emma “would rather be a rogue than have me as her Luna.” The confirmation of Emma’s disappearance—possibly as a rogue—leaves the Alphas reeling. The chapter ends with Andrew pacing, distraught, while Logan grapples with the reality of Emma’s possible betrayal and the urgent need to find her before she fully commits to the rogue pack, leaving the readers questioning Emma’s motives and the future of her and Logan’s relationship.
23
The frantic search for Emma continues, yielding no results as hours pass and darkness approaches. Andrew, increasingly distraught, struggles to control his distressed wolf, Asher, while grappling with conflicting accounts of events surrounding Sienna’s injury. He questions whether Emma was truthful about Sienna’s past behavior, fearing he might have overlooked years of bullying. Logan, despite his inability to sense Emma’s wolf, maintains a fragile hope based on his conviction that she is alive. The brothers’ inability to shift into their wolf forms underscores their emotional turmoil and heightened aggression.
A breakthrough arrives with a message from Mark, a packhouse guard, revealing that Amy Johnson, Emma’s best friend, is at the packhouse with urgent information. Andrew relays this to Logan, and their immediate return is fueled by the possibility of a lead. Andrew’s inner dialogue reveals Emma left without money, credit cards, or even a jacket, emphasizing her desperate flight. “Amy Johnson is here looking for you. She says it is urgent and she needs to talk to you right now,” Mark relays, igniting a spark of hope in the desperate search.
Upon reaching the packhouse, Andrew and Logan find Amy and Aunt Gloria, their expressions mirroring the gravity of the situation. Aunt Gloria’s quiet instruction, “Sit down, boys,” sets a somber tone, leaving the brothers bracing for potentially devastating news and the readers wondering what Amy’s knowledge entails and what the ensuing revelation will mean for Emma, Logan and the pack.
24
Amy Johnson reveals shocking information about Sienna, Emma’s alleged attacker—a revelation that devastates Andrew and Logan. They struggle to accept that their seemingly kind friend could be capable of such cruelty, their disbelief amplified by Aunt Gloria’s solemn confirmation and Amy’s distress. Logan, particularly, grapples with the implications for his mate, Emma, his emotional turmoil hindering his rational thought; “I know you don’t want to believe it,” his mother comforts, “but she fooled all of us.” The brothers’ shared denial creates a tense atmosphere.
Jacob, Amy’s distraught boyfriend, bursts in, blaming Andrew and Logan for Emma’s potential fate, his fury escalating into a violent confrontation. His accusations, “If something happens to her, it’s your fault,” ignite Andrew’s protective rage; he retaliates with a forceful punch, breaking Jacob’s nose. “Take that back! She is not dead!” Andrew roars. The ensuing chaos is interrupted by Alpha Drake’s arrival, leaving the brothers’ guilt, Jacob’s anger, and Emma’s uncertain fate hanging heavy in the air.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Alpha Drake’s arrival and the brothers’ desperate hope clinging to Logan’s unwavering belief in Emma’s survival. “She is alive, Andrew,” Logan insists, desperately trying to reassure his brother as Jacob’s accusations and Andrew’s aggression underscore the intense emotional turmoil surrounding Emma’s disappearance and the potential consequences of Sienna’s actions. The sudden appearance of Alpha Drake adds another layer of uncertainty and suspense to the already tense situation.
25
Logan, desperate to find Emma, devises a plan to lure Sienna to his house under the pretense of a romantic rendezvous. He enlists Andrew and Drake’s help, while Josh and Jacob secretly stake out Sienna’s home, ready to search it upon her arrival. Logan struggles with the deception, confessing, “I feel sick doing it. I want to kill her, not have her over,” but the urgency to find Emma overrides his revulsion. The brothers’ shared grief and intense anger fuels their determination to expose Sienna.
Sienna readily accepts Logan’s invitation, her eagerness fueling his growing disgust. The wait for her arrival is agonizing for Logan, filled with worry for Emma’s well-being and punctuated by his inner turmoil: “Where was she? Was she cold? Who was with her? Were they hurting her?” Andrew and Drake leave to prepare the interrogation room, leaving Logan to face Sienna alone.
The tension escalates as Sienna arrives, her feigned sadness, “I feel so sorry for Andrew,” barely masking her true nature. Logan barely contains his rage as Sienna’s deceitful words, “Did you find Emma?” reveal her callous disregard for Emma’s fate. The chapter ends with Logan’s simmering fury, his carefully constructed facade crumbling under the weight of his desire for revenge and his desperate hope for Emma’s survival.
26
Andrew, fueled by Logan’s compulsion, forces Sienna to recount her actions, each word intensifying his rage. Hearing Sienna’s confession that she told Emma he considered her a burden pushes Andrew to the brink, his inner wolf, Asher, screaming for vengeance. He confronts Sienna, his desire to kill her barely contained, only Drake’s intervention preventing a violent outburst. Andrew’s guilt over his past blindness to Emma’s plight—blaming her jealousy rather than Sienna’s manipulation—consumes him. He realizes his mistake cost his sister dearly.
Logan, silently seething, maintains control despite his evident turmoil. Sienna’s revelations detail her cruelty, including her false claims to Logan and Andrew, and the rogue wolf’s brutal attack on Emma. Logan’s controlled fury is palpable, his restrained rage a ticking time bomb. Andrew’s internal struggle with guilt and his bloodlust mirrors Logan’s simmering rage, as both brothers witness Sienna’s horrifying account of Emma’s abduction and poisoning with wolfsbane. “If she believed what you said, I will kill you so slowly you will be begging me to die,” Andrew snarls.
Sienna’s confession reaches a shocking climax: she claims ignorance of Emma’s current whereabouts. Andrew is stunned by this revelation, his rage momentarily overshadowed by disbelief. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving both Andrew and the reader reeling from the unexpected twist and desperate for Emma’s location, as Logan’s barely contained fury threatens to erupt.
27
Four days after Emma’s disappearance, the frantic search continues, yielding no results. Logan, consumed by guilt and rage, lashes out at his pack, isolating himself except for Drake and Andrew. His wolf, Leon, refuses to communicate, mirroring Logan’s internal turmoil and blaming him for Emma’s abduction. The brothers, equally distraught and sleep-deprived, pore over maps in Logan’s office, their frustration mounting as even Drake’s keen insights fail to pinpoint Emma’s location. “This would be so much easier if we could catch just a whiff of her scent,” Andrew growls, highlighting the challenge posed by the rogue wolf’s use of wolfsbane and masking spray.
A tense confrontation erupts between Logan and Drake. Logan, fiercely possessive, snaps, “Why are you so worried about her? She is mine,” sparking a heated exchange. Andrew intervenes, reminding Drake that Logan’s past rejection doesn’t negate their bond, thereby preventing a potential violent conflict. Drake, though acknowledging Logan’s claim, confesses his protective feelings for Emma, recognizing her strength and the potential for her to be Luna to the entire pack, declaring, “And I will protect her, always.”
The tension eases slightly as Logan acknowledges his past blindness, admitting, “I am an idiot.” Drake’s unwavering support and Andrew’s quiet hope for Emma’s forgiveness offer a glimmer of comfort amidst the despair. The chapter ends on a note of cautious optimism, highlighting the brothers’ shared determination to find Emma, and the question of whether she will forgive both Logan and Andrew for their past mistakes, leaving the reader breathlessly anticipating the next development.
28
Bound and imprisoned in an unknown location, Emma endures brutal beatings and the debilitating effects of wolfsbane. Her captor, whose identity remains undisclosed, blames her for an unspecified transgression against someone named Sienna. Amidst the pain and despair, Emma finds solace in communicating with her inner wolf, Eliza, whose presence offers a lifeline and a source of strength, even as Eliza herself weakens under the influence of the wolfsbane. “I wished that he would know I did not become a rogue,” Emma reflects, revealing the depth of her emotional distress and the fractured relationship with her brother and Logan.
The conversation with Eliza reveals the extent of Emma’s suffering and her internal conflict. Despair mixes with anger as she grapples with her brother’s disbelief and the perceived betrayal by those she loves. Eliza, despite her own fading strength, tries to encourage Emma to hold on, echoing her own feelings of love and loyalty. Emma’s poignant words, “I am sorry, Eliza. You don’t deserve this,” highlight the self-blame and profound sadness that permeates her ordeal.
Despite the overwhelming despair, a flicker of hope remains. Eliza maintains a stubborn belief in their eventual rescue, promising, “They will come for us.” This hinges on the belief that Asher and Leon, Emma’s and Eliza’s respective mates, will see through Sienna’s manipulations. However, Emma worries about the wolves’ perception of her as a rogue, fearful that they may seek to eliminate her. The chapter ends with Eliza’s fading strength mirroring Emma’s dwindling hope, leaving the reader in suspense as to whether their rescuers will arrive in time.
29
Andrew, Logan, and Drake track a sickening scent of blood and wolfsbane deep into a cave, their anxiety escalating with each step. Overhearing a disturbing conversation revealing Rolf’s captivity and sinister intentions toward Emma, the brothers unleash a furious attack upon finding her brutally injured and near death. Rolf’s violation ignites a primal rage in Logan and Andrew, their blows fueled by protective fury as they pummel their attacker while Drake subdues him. A desperate cry from a warrior pulls Andrew from his bloodlust, revealing Jacob tending to Emma’s grievous wounds.
Jacob’s panicked assessment of Emma’s critical condition—”She is barely breathing… her pulse is weak”—underscores the gravity of the situation. Andrew’s desperate call, “Emma!”, and the sight of his sister’s pale, lifeless form highlights his profound despair. Rolf’s chilling words, “Your skin is so soft… Maybe I could keep you,” linger in the air, underscoring the depravity of his actions and the danger Emma continually faces. The brothers’ desperate struggle to save Emma underscores their deep love and loyalty towards her.
The horrifying discovery of Emma’s condition plunges Andrew into raw grief and panic. He cradles her lifeless body, the weight of his helplessness heavy as her chest barely moves. Despite the intensity of his rage earlier, his immediate focus shifts to saving Emma, his desperate cry, “Emma!”, a testament to his love. Logan, his face terrifying in its fury, wrestles control of the situation, forcing Andrew to relinquish Emma to allow for her immediate transport, a testament to his own desperate hope. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, leaving Emma’s fate hanging precariously in the balance.
30
Logan, consumed by rage and grief over Emma’s brutal attack, sits in the waiting room, his fury directed at Rolf and Sienna. He envisions their suffering, the image of Emma’s injured body fueling his uncontrollable anger. His mother’s presence offers temporary solace, but Amy’s tears and Andrew’s grim report of Emma’s critical condition reignite his despair. Jacob’s arrival, however, throws a wrench into Logan’s simmering rage; Jacob’s declaration that Emma is *his* mate sparks a jealous fury in Logan.
Jacob’s calm assertion, “My mate is inside, and I am not leaving,” ignites a volatile confrontation. His claim that Emma is his chosen mate, coupled with his tender words towards Amy, “She is my strong girl,” pushes Logan to the brink of a full werewolf shift. Andrew intervenes, physically restraining Logan while attempting to reason with Jacob, highlighting the complex dynamics between the brothers and their unwavering loyalty to Emma. Andrew’s warning, “Until Emma accepts you and you mark her, she is not your mate,” underlines the precariousness of the situation and the wolfish possessiveness over their mate.
Andrew’s attempts to restrain Logan prove increasingly difficult as Leon, Logan’s inner wolf, takes over, screaming, “‘I am killing that fucker! He is not taking my mate! She is mine!'” The chapter culminates in a tense standoff, with Jacob refusing to leave and Logan’s rage threatening to erupt into a violent confrontation, leaving Emma’s fate and the future of the relationships hanging in the balance. Logan’s mother attempts to mediate, urging Jacob to leave for Emma’s sake, but the underlying tension remains palpable.
