I looked up at the figure standing before me. Sharp suit, perfect fit, striking in every way , but it wasn't Lewis.
It was Julian.
He was wearing the same suit from our first bonding ceremony, and even though his presence was unexpected, something deep in me recognized him instantly , the way you always recognize your pack.
He stepped forward and placed himself between me and Wisteria. She had already swung the knife, and the blade caught his hand clean, splitting it open. Blood poured down his wrist in a dark, steady stream. I stood there frozen, unable to process what I was seeing.
Julian looked at me, and he smiled , soft, steady, certain.
"Elena, this time, I made it."
Not Riley. Elena. The name only he ever said like it meant something.
Wisteria sucked in a sharp breath, clearly shaken. "Julian , is that really you?" She yanked the knife free from his hand without hesitation, sending another spray of blood into the air.
