"Amy-what the hell just happened? That''s what! She really did a number on your mate. If she''s not hiding by the time we get back, I swear I''ll tear her apart myself. That woman has stirred up more trouble since Kennedy showed up than ude ever did after we took his pack."


    "We can''t just go around killing people because they''re rude,” I argued, trying to keep my voice steady.


    "I don''t care! The moment we find Kennedy, Amy''s finished. Dead woman walking."


    My mind couldn''t form any coherent thoughts as we rushed through the house, weaving past frightened guests in the ballroom who were seeking refuge from the chaos outside. I followed Be up the stairs to Kennedy''s room, where he mmed his fist against the door until it came crashing off its hinges.


    Without hesitation, Be began frantically searching the room, shouting Kennedy''s name with desperation. I joined in the search, scanning every corner, but she was nowhere to be found. Yet, her scent lingered-sweet and sharp, a mix of honey and spice. It was fresh, unmistakable. Unlikest time, when she deliberately made it impossible to track her, this trail was clear.


    I followed the fragrance, which grew stronger as I approached the patio door. With a forceful push, I slid the door open, the ss cracking under the strain. Snow- covered footprints led away from the threshold.


    "No!" I yelled, leaping over the railing without hesitation. We were only one floor above the main level, but I had no idea if she could handle the drop safely. My thoughts raced-did she run away on her own, or was she taken? What had Amy said to provoke this? Be''s reaction told me it wasn''t just some petty insult.


    Bended behind me, breathless. "Can you tell if she left willingly or if someone forced her?"


    "All I can smell is her, and there''s just one set of footprints. But who knows? The attack on the teens might''ve been a distraction. Maybe forcing you to leave was part of someone''s n. Would Kennedy really bolt on her own?"


    "I don''t know. She knows every secret entrance and exit in this packhouse better than anyone. It used to drive me crazy-like a twisted game of hide and seek on steroids. She could''ve pushed the limits if she wanted, but she never did. She always stayed just within the rules, enough to keep everyone fromining. But she was still a huge pain in the ass."


    "What exactly did Amy say to make Kennedy want to leave now? You mentioned this isn''t the first time Amy''s been difficult, and Robin said Kennedy handled it like a pro."


    Be shook his head. "I think it was the whole thing-Amy barging into your office, taunting her, and then what happened after you left." He recounted the details of the confrontation in my office after I stormed out. At least Kennedy is standing up for herself now, but the way she looked at Be when she gave that order—he knew something terrible wasing, and he felt powerless to stop it.


    My senses sharpened with every word. Kennedy was spiraling into despair, and I felt responsible. She believed she wasn''t good enough, that I felt the same way. Like an old wolf drawn back to the forest, ready to be imed by the Moon Goddess. I had to find her before it was toote.


    Time seemed to stretch endlessly as we searched, though it had only been about thirty minutes. For Kennedy, every second mattered. The bitter cold was unforgiving, and I was certain she hadn''t thought to bring extrayers.


    "There!" My wolf howled, and I spotted her copsed on the ground, shivering and weak.


    We rushed over, and I gently lifted her into my arms. Her lips were tinged blue, her breathing shallow, but she was still alive. I rested her head against my shoulder, pressing her frail body close to my bare chest, hoping to transfer as much warmth as possible to her vital organs.


    Holding her tightly, I summoned the pack doctor, Greta, along with Robin and anyone else who might help. Now, it was a race against time. I had to get Kennedy back home-safe and warm-before the cold imed herpletely.