Chapter 6

Layla's messages kept pouring in.

Layla: Oh, and look at this. It's my ultrasound report. I'm pregnant.

Seraphina enlarged the image. At the very top it read: Wolf pup: 8 weeks. Signs of threatened miscarriage.

Layla: Yesterday we did it countless times on the rooftop. Tried every position. Maybe Caden was too rough. The baby's at risk now. All his fault—he said you're like a block of wood at home, so boring. With me, he wants something exciting.

Layla: The healer says whether we keep the baby or not, the father's signature is needed. I had to call Caden down. Compared to your little stomach troubles, his bloodline matters more, don't you think?

Seraphina left the hospital on her own and hailed a cab. She went to a human-run law office.

"Hello, I'd like to commission a divorce agreement."

She asked for nothing. The lawyer was efficient. Within thirty minutes she had the full document.

"In human society," he explained, "you don't need the husband's signature. If you live apart for two years, this agreement takes effect automatically."

When Seraphina stepped back onto the street with the papers in hand, Caden's call came through.

"Sera, where are you? I searched the hospital and couldn't find you."

"I waited and waited. You didn't come. I went home first."

"Alright. As long as you're safe. I'm sorry, Sera. The pack needed me personally. In the next few days I may have to travel to another territory. Take care of yourself at home. Next week—I swear—I'll cancel everything and be with you."

Seraphina exhaled a long, heavy breath. A lie told a thousand times no longer stirs any feeling. "Mm. Go ahead."

"My Sera is always so understanding. Good girl. Tomorrow I'll bring you moon-flowers."

"Understanding?" Seraphina asked quietly. "Caden, do you just like women who cling and whimper, who can't let go? Am I too understanding—too dull—for you?"

He froze. "Of course not. I love you exactly as you are."

"Caden, would you ever love another she-wolf?"

"Of course not."

"If you betray our bond, I'll leave you forever."

He gave a low, amused laugh. "You can try to run. I can seal every border, every human airport and train station. As long as your scent is still Seraphina, I'll never let you leave."

But on my passport, she thought, I'm no longer Seraphina. I'm Finn. And the Moon Goddess's blessing will erase my scent for a time.

She repeated, slowly, "I'm serious. I have ways to leave you. Ways you'll never find me."

Caden still smiled, as if teasing a kitten. "Fine. Run. I'll give you three days, then I'll come find you. I told you—so long as you're still Seraphina, no matter where you go, I'll track you down. You can't escape me."

Can't escape? Seraphina's lips curved into a cold smile. Then let's find out.