She’d truly believed that her love for Zane could overcome any obstacle, could bridge the gap between their warring clans. What a fool she’d been. But even as despair threatened to swallow her whole, a tiny spark of hope flickered to life in her chest. Their baby, the precious life growing inside her, was proof that something had existed between them. Perhaps with time, she would know exactly what it had been.

  How had it all gone so wrong? Just yesterday, she’d been full of hope, convinced that Kiki’s confession would change everything. That she and Zane could finally be together, openly and without fear.

  Enough. She had to stop this obsessing. You need to focus, Lena. You can do this.

  “Looks like it’s just you and me now, little one,” she whispered, placing a hand over her still-flat stomach. A single tear tracked down her cheek as she felt the desolation of it all overcome her. “Just you and me against the world. Just a stop at the market to load up on supplies, and then we are outta here.”

  CHAPTER 19

  Zane walked through the streets of Misty Vale, his heart heavy with the pain of losing his mate.

  There must be a way forward. But if there was, he couldn’t see it. Not yet, at least. He thought of calling his friend Beth, but for what? To whine about his situation? No. And he wasn’t going to burden her with the weight of the threats Ghost had made if he went against him.

  But he couldn’t stay cooped up, he needed to move. There had to be a way, even though it was taking every ounce of his strength and every bit of his will to stay open to the possibility. The alternative was worse. What was the point without Alena?

  As he walked through downtown, his head downcast, the bustling streets, once a source of comfort and familiarity, now felt foreign and hostile. Every step seemed to mock him, reminding him of what he’d lost, what he’d been forced to give up. He began to wonder if he was being followed, too. Or were they only watching Alena? At the moment, there was little point in checking. What could he do about it if they were? Nothing made sense without his mate.

  As if Zane didn’t already feel bad enough, as he passed by Misty Brews, he looked up to see Ghost leaned against the wall, a smug grin plastered on his face. The biker gave him a mocking salute, as if to say, “I own you now.”

  Zane gritted his teeth, his dragon snarling within him. The urge to shift, to tear the arrogant prick limb from limb, was almost overwhelming. But he couldn’t. Not without risking everything. The town, his kind’s secret, and mostly Alena.

  Patience, Zane. Good things come to those who don’t shift and rip dirtbag bikers to pieces. Right. He almost chuckled out loud. It was either that or scream. He felt so powerless.

  The word echoed in his mind, taunting him. He’d always prided himself on his strength, his ability to protect those he loved. But now? Now he felt like a puppet on strings, dancing to Ghost’s twisted tune. But he only nodded at the biker.

  Fuck!

  Later that day, he stopped by his family’s offices. Despite his own problems, he still needed to stay abreast of overall developments. In truth, now more than ever. He needed to see where his family stood after the events of the meeting.

  Immediately passing through the door, he could already hear his brothers engaged in tense conversation.

  “Zane,” Dash greeted him as he walked into the main office bullpen. “Where have you been? We need to get on the same page here. What a fucking shitshow that meeting was, huh?”

  “Tell me about it,” he replied, doing his best not to reveal his annoyance or despair.

  “Yeah, those bears just don’t want to look for solutions,” Striker added.

  “Solutions?” Zane repeated with a start, unable to hold it in. “Not sure threatening to drive them out of town or enforce some kind of split down the middle of Misty Vale were exactly solutions. And when the hell did all that get discussed, anyway?” He did his best to control his temper, but his frustration was obvious.

  “Yeah, Dad surprised us with that one, but I get it. He’s looking for a long-term solution. You have to realize he has had to live with this conflict for a long time. He just wants an end to it. It might sound extreme, but maybe he’s right, we just don’t get along,” Dash offered.

  Zane’s heart sank. He wanted to argue and point out the obvious. How would they respond if the bears had said dragons should leave town? But he just didn’t have it in him. Besides, did he really even care at this point?

  Without Alena, it was like all the wind had been taken out of his sails. For a brief moment, he wondered: if his brothers knew the truth about him and Alena, and about Ghost, maybe they could help? But just as soon as he entertained the thought, he dismissed it. His dragon hissed at the idea.

  No. They would only get Alena killed. And that was if they even believed him about Ghost and his manipulations in the first place. And to even get to Ghost’s threats, he would have to tell them about Alena. No, he’d had enough of their judgment for a lifetime already. He would have to somehow handle this himself. But how?

  He told his brothers things were “progressing” with the bikers and getting things up and running at Misty Brews, and he vowed to stay on his toes as far as the situation in town was concerned. Having checked in with his brothers, and after promises to stay in close contact during this tense time, he excused himself.

  That night, unable to bear the suffocating confines of his home, Zane took to the skies in his dragon form. He had to take care not to be reckless and snuck out to do so, on the off chance they were in fact watching him.

  Now you are just being paranoid, he had told himself. The sense of powerlessness was overwhelming, as were the constant ruminations about his love, Alena.

  But in his dragon form, with the cool night air rushing over his scales, he had a short respite. The stars blurred together as he pushed himself faster and faster. His beast roared his pain and frustration to the heavens, a sound of pure anguish and fury. His dragon only wanted vengeance and to be with their mate. Though he allowed his beast to take wing, he still had to exert some control. His dragon, untethered, was apt to go on the hunt and burn Ghost to a crisp as soon as he found him. That was obviously not an option until Alena was safe and sound again by his side.

  After burning off the sharpest parts of his rage, he landed back on the outskirts of town. His body aching and his heart empty, Zane shifted back into his human form. Donning his clothes, he stared up at the night sky, the stars cold and distant. He would walk home.

  Think! There must be a way…

  He’d flown for hours, desperate for an escape from the pain that consumed him. But even the rush of soaring through the clouds couldn’t erase the hollow feeling in his chest, the knowledge that he’d lost the one thing that truly mattered. Alena—his mate, his love, his everything. He’d pushed her away, shattered her heart to keep her safe. But in doing so, he’d destroyed himself, too. Was this how it would always be? Living half a life, haunted by the ghost of what could have been?

  Snap out of it, he told himself, but he could not. Letting out a roar of pure frustration, Zane slammed his fist into the trunk of an old oak tree, the pain a welcome distraction from the agony in his soul. He sank to his knees, exhaustion and despair dragging at his limbs. Some dragon he was, brought low by a love he couldn’t fight for. Fight or not, however, he knew one thing for sure as he let his back fall into the grass and looked up at the lone moon. He could no sooner stop loving Alena than he could stop breathing. And without her, he was lost.

  CHAPTER 20

  Alena pushed her shopping cart through the aisles of the local market, her mind a swirling mess of conflicting emotions. While it felt good in some ways to be taking control of her fate, she couldn’t deny that the idea of leaving town was also pretty scary. Short term would be no big deal, as she just wanted to get some distance from the madness so she could get her head on straight. But in the longer term, where would she go? Bridge Hollow? Lone Reach? Somewhere with other shifters, but far from the toxic feud that had torn her life apart? Maybe Lost Creek, she mused.

  I heard they’ve resolved their differences there. God, do I need to sell all my stuff?

  Her bear whimpered within her, longing for the comfort and safety of their mate. But she pushed down the primal urge, steeling herself against the pain. Zane had made his choice, and now she had to make hers. Regardless, it was for the best, right? Misty Vale was no place to raise their child. Yes, for the baby. For their future. She had to go.

  Just as she reached for a box of crackers, a familiar voice piped up behind her. “Auntie Lena!”

  Alena spun around, her eyes widening as she spotted Abi standing there, a knowing smile on her cherubic face.

  “Abi? What are you doing here? Where’s Archer? Or Ruby?”

  The little girl shrugged, skipping over to Alena’s side. “Ruby’s looking at the veggies. But I knew I had to find you.”

  Alena’s brow furrowed. “Find me? Why?”

  Abi fixed her with a serious look that never ceased to make Alena smile. “Because you’re planning on leaving.”

  Shock rippled through Alena, her mouth falling open. “What? How did you…?”

  “Rainbow told me,” Abi answered matter-of-factly.

  Of course she did. Or he did?

  “And you can’t go, Auntie Lena. Not now. We’re just getting to the good part!”

  Despite the gravity of the situation, Alena couldn’t help but chuckle at her niece’s earnest expression. And if they were just getting to the good part, she couldn’t imagine how bad the bad part must be.

  “The good part, huh?”

  Abi nodded vigorously. “Yup! Don’t you know it’s always darkest before the dawn?”

  The profoundness of the child’s words struck a chord inside Alena. Maybe it was just being seen. Because man, it sure had been dark. She could feel tears threatening to splash down her cheeks.

  “That’s a really nice thought, sweetie,” she managed, her voice thick with emotion. “But sometimes, things just don’t work out the way we want them to.”

  Abi reached out, placing her tiny hand on Alena’s arm. “But that’s the thing, Auntie Lena. Fate doesn’t make mistakes. It’s all happening just like it’s supposed to.”

  “I-I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Everything, Auntie. With the town, and with the dragon we met!”

  Alena’s bear stirred within her, a flicker of hope sparking to life amidst the despair. The dragon. Zane. Was it really possible? She had almost given up hoping. Almost. But she realized that hope was still there… though it made little sense. Could there still be a chance for her and Zane, despite everything?

  Before she could respond, Ruby appeared at the end of the aisle, relief washing over her face when she spotted Abi. “There you are, Abi! You can’t just run off like that!”

  Abi grinned sheepishly, scampering over to Ruby. “Sorry, Ruby. But I had to talk to Auntie Lena. It was important.”

  Ruby’s gaze shifted to Alena, concern etched in her features. “Everything okay, Lena?”

  Alena forced a smile, nodding quickly. “Yeah, fine. Just doing some shopping, you know.”

  She could tell Ruby wasn’t entirely convinced, but mercifully, her sister-in-law didn’t push. With a final wave, she led Abi back towards the produce section, leaving Alena alone with her thoughts once more.

  Fate doesn’t make mistakes.

  Abi’s words echoed in her mind.

  Yeah, sounds like a good bumper sticker.

  Alena’s mind raced as she paced her small living room, periodically looking up at the small assortment of bags she had, all packed and ready.

  Her heart was torn between the desperate desire to leave the confines of Misty Vale and the tiny spark of hope Abi’s words had ignited within her.

  Fate doesn’t make mistakes.

  Could it be true? Could there still be a chance for her and Zane, despite the heartbreak and chaos that surrounded them?

  Protect cub. Stay strong, her bear urged, the primal instinct to shield her unborn child from harm warring with the longing for her mate. It was beginning to feel like that instinct was on a loop.

  Because it is. And it will always be now. This is not just about you anymore, Lena.

  Alena shook her head, hoping it might clear her confusion.

  Should I stay or should I go? Unbidden, the old song popped into her head. She would have laughed were she not so stressed out.

  You have to think of the baby, too, Lena. But what if staying is what’s best? Her mind was starting to go in circles again.

  A sudden knock at the door startled Alena from her thoughts. Steeling herself, she opened the door a crack, only to find her brother standing there, his expression a mix of both mild relief and concern.

  “Archer?” she called out, confusion and apprehension fighting within her. “What are you doing here?”

  Her brother swayed from side to side, apparently from nerves. “We need to talk, Lena.”

  Alena’s guard immediately went up. Great, more lectures on the evils of dragons. Just what I need right now.

  “Look, Arch, I’m really not in the mood—”

  “Ruby told me you’re planning on leaving town,” Archer interrupted, his voice softer than she’d expected.

  Alena froze, her breath catching in her throat. Damn it, Abi!

  “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she hedged, doing her best to keep her face neutral.

  “Come on, Lena,” he said softly, “Let me in. Can we talk?”

  Alena hesitated, her grip tightening on the doorknob. “I don’t know, Arch. Are you actually going to listen this time?”

  Archer winced, rubbing the back of his neck. “I deserve that. Look, I know I’ve been an ass lately. But leaving town? I didn’t realize you were that upset. Or that we had pushed you that hard.”

  Alena’s heart clenched, tears stinging her eyes. “What do you expect?” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t. I can’t win. It’s suffocating! I can’t help how I feel for Zane! Oh, it’s a mess. And I can’t talk to you guys, that’s for damn sure. You’re so set on hating all dragons, you won’t even hear me out!”

  “Then make me understand,” Archer pleaded, stepping closer. “I am willing to listen now. I don’t want you to leave town like Artemis, sis. Please, give me another shot.”

  A flicker of hope bloomed in Alena’s chest. Was he really ready to listen? “You promise you won’t start talking over me?”

  Archer held up his hand. “Scout’s honor.”

  “Okay, well, I think you know it’s about Zane,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “But what you won’t hear is that he’s not the enemy, Arch. None of them are.”

  Archer paused, waiting to see if she had more to say. When she didn’t, he spoke. “Livingstone. So, is it—I mean, you two have serious feelings for one another?”

  “Yes. At least we did. You saw what happened. I don’t know what’s happening now. I guess he made it pretty clear where we stand.”

  Archer shifted, looking uncomfortable. “Look, Lena, I’m sorry. I know I haven’t been the most supportive lately. It’s just… Dragons are… that is, you have seen how things are in Misty Vale. I just don’t want to see you hurt…”

  “You say you don’t want to see me hurt, but that’s not it at all! You’re so blinded by hate that you can’t see anything else!” Alena cried, tears threatening to spill over. “There’s more going on here than your stupid feud, Arch! Zane and I overheard the Riders plotting to tear the town apart, to turn bears and dragons against each other. But none of you care! You’re all too busy rehashing ancient history to see what’s right in front of you!”

  Archer stared at her, his mouth agape. “What? Slow down. What are you talking about?”

  Alena took a shuddering breath. “The Riders, Arch. They’re playing us all for fools, using our hatred against us. And it’s working! But God forbid anyone actually listen to me long enough to hear the truth!”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Of course I’m sure!” She briefly explained the circumstances of how they had come to overhear it. “I didn’t say anything because… well, we’ve covered that. You would have freaked out. And you wouldn’t have believed me. That’s the truth of it.”

  The weight of what she had said seemed to hit Archer.

  “I… I had no idea,” he murmured, running a hand through his hair. “God, Lena, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize I’d made it so hard for you to talk to me.”

  Alena felt a weight lift from her shoulders, relief and gratitude welling up inside her.

  Maybe Abi was right. Maybe there was hope. She wasn’t quite ready to say that fate was on their side, but she was feeling the first bit of optimism she’d had in days.

  “Please, tell me everything,” Archer requested. So Alena did.

  The whole sordid tale spilled out—the overheard conversations, the threats, the heartbreak. By the time she finished, an hour had passed, and she was mentally exhausted. Still, she held back one little detail. Things felt better, but there was much more to be resolved before she imagined she would feel safe to reveal this last truth. She held her arms around her middle.

  Cub. Safe. Protect, her bear rumbled, an underlying current of fierce love.

  “Okay, I need to get the pack together. Dammit, if there is even the smallest amount of truth to this…” Archer pulled her into a fierce hug.

  “Which there is,” she said, deadpan, looking him in the eye.

  “Right, of course, sorry. It’s just a lot to process,” he said before pausing a moment, lost in thought. “Look, we’re going to get to the bottom of this Riders situation, and then we’re going to knock some sense into those dragons. Starting with Zane.”

  For a moment, she reeled back, but that was before he gave her a wink. “What is that supposed to mean!”

  “Just playing, sis. Right now, I need to deal with the Forsaken Riders. If we handle that, hopefully everything else will shake out.”