---- Ipletely rxed in his protective presence.


    The stillness of ---- dawn surrounded us, distant whispers of animalsing from the forest.


    There was no trace left of those dark memories.


    Only my massive lycan, powerful and untamed, such an incredible creature, doing all the house chores while I just pointed here and there like a tiny tyrant.


    Sometimes I did it just to annoy him.


    He neverined, only came over every few minutes to demand his rewards.


    Perverted little wolf.


    I smiled at his back, my beautiful beast, my beloved Duke.


    At what point did you slip under my skin? I think it was that night, when viting you didnt feel like a sacrifice at all.


    see BRENDA wait for me at the fishing hut by theke.


    You know I dont want you on my property." "You were the one who sent the urgent message.


    Arent you ina hurry?" "Dont yedian with me.


    Wait by theke, Im on my way." Theard the murmurs from a distance.


    They slipped through the slightly open cracks of the door leading to the terrace.


    ---- But my wolf hearing picked up the conversation clearly.


    It was Thesio speaking with a man, but the voice was unfamiliar to me.


    However, something felt...


    off.


    I closed my eyes in the shadows of the room when I heard his footsteps returning.


    I pretended to be asleep as he crossed the room.


    He changed his clothes in the wardrobe chamber, then stepped out and approached the bed.


    I controlled my breathing, my face pressed against the pillow.


    He couldnt know I was awake.


    And I didnt think he suspected anything either.


    "Brenda?" he whispered.


    Of course, I didnt answer.


    1 felt a gentle touch on my forehead as he brushed my hair aside.


    He watched me for a few seconds before I felt the warmth of his lips pressing a kiss to my cheek.


    Then he pulled away with firm steps and left the room.


    "He''s gone," my wolf confirmed.


    Let''s go.


    We have to follow him through the forest to theke.


    Get ready to shift." "But Brenda, its dangerous." "Ihe sees you, he''ll think youre just a wild wolf.


    Dont be a coward.


    We need to find out what Thesio is up to.


    I dont want any ---- surprises in my n!" I threw off the sheets and got out of bed.


    Peeking from the corner of a window, I watched the shadow of his horse move through the garden trees and disappear.


    There was no time to waste.


    I stepped onto the balcony and eyed the vines clinging to the facade.


    Unsheathing my ws, I sniffed the air, checking the surrounding windows for any onlookers.


    None.


    swinging my legs over the stone railing, I gripped the sturdy vines and climbed down using my wolf''s strength until my bare feet touched the garden grass.


    Tran through the chill seeping through my thin nightgown, which I would be discarding soon.


    Hiding under the shadow of a nearby pine tree, I unbuttoned my gown, sliding it down my hips and legs.


    Leaving it bundled among the grass, I summoned the shift.


    Inan instant, a small white-and-chestnut wolf reced my human form.


    She stretched for a second before taking off, running swiftly through the underbrush, following the distant whinnies and pounding hooves heading toward the river.


    Tonight, I would find out what Duke Thesio was plotting.


    And one secret in particr would change all my ns.