Chapter 47

Olivia Martins

Ryker turned without another word and led us through the wide corridor, past confused pack members watching in silence. I followed behind, my heart thudding with something fragile, hope or dread; I couldn’t tell.

He stepped into a familiar hallway. The one that led to the Alpha’s office. But we stopped before we got to the office.

And there, mounted on the far wall, where every Alpha’s portrait of the Nightshade pack was traditionally hung, was us.

Caspian and I.

The image had been taken at Ryker’s Beta ceremony. Before our argument. Before the chaos.

I remembered it. I remembered standing there with Caspian’s arms wrapped around my waist, his hands splayed over my ribs, and his chest pressed against my back. I’d tilted my head back to look up at him, smiling, eyes only for him. He was looking down at me like I hung the stars.

The love in that picture was unmistakable. Undeniable. And I wished I could go back to that mo