I watched Seraphina's retreating figure until she disappeared among the trees. My chest felt hollow, my wolf howling in distress.
"Dirty secret," I muttered, repeating her accusation. Those words weren't what I'd meant at all. Yet seeing the hurt flare in her eyes told me exactly how she'd taken them.
I slammed my fist against a nearby tree trunk, welcoming the sharp sting of pain. It was nothing compared to the ache inside me. How did I keep getting this so wrong?
Back at the packhouse, I avoided everyone, sequestering myself in my office. Hours passed as I stared at paperwork without seeing a single word. By nightfall, I couldn't take it anymore.
I stalked to my private quarters and opened the safe hidden behind a painting of our territory. Inside lay various important documents, some cash, ceremonial items—and a small, worn envelope pushed to the back corner.
