Page 59 of A Wolf's Heart

“That’s what I was there. The lowest of the ranks. As a pup, I didn’t want things to get out of control, so I spent my time trying to keep the peace. Because I didn’t partake in the chaos, I became a target for it.” He chuckled. “You won’t find many male shifters able to admit that they were once an omega, but I’m confident enough in my abilities.

“It’s not our rank that make us. It’s who we are in our heart’s power that creates us. When the link between Kage, Rainor, and I was created, I thought I had snapped and created imaginary friends. A family, so I wouldn’t be alone. Brothers. Kage told me about his pack, the one he and Rainor would one day lead, and eventually, they included me in that ranking as well. We grew used to being in one another’s minds, but I was careful to block them out during the beatings and fights. I didn’t want them to see me.

“The last beating I had ever endured, I was too weak to block Rainor out. I was ten years old when they said they would come for me, break me out of the prison I lived in. And they did—they kept their word.”

Weylin leaned in, pressing his lips to my forehead. “I wanted to tell you this because what you said…about having no one and being alone? I used to feel the same thing. I know we are rough around the edges and our dynamics are off, but we are pack, first, second, and only. We will be there for pack. We will protect. You will never be alone again, Lila.”

His words sat heavy in my heart. “What happened to them? At the orphanage. I hope karma got them in the end.”

“Yeah. It sort of did. I was weak by the time Kage’s father showed up. He killed the dean and then fed me his heart. To join the pack, he had me kill everyone there and consume their hearts.”

“Fed…wait.” I sat up, staring down at Weylin. “Consumed? As in you physically ate their hearts?”

“It’s how we gain another’s hearts power, Lila. I learned that Kage, Rainor, and I weren’t exactly brothers—more like collectable weapons for his father. And that some families…some families, you shouldn’t wish to be part of.” He gave a sad smile. “We are pack, though. First, second, and only. You are our mate, you are pack now. You will always be taken care of.”

A sick feeling settled in the pit of my stomach.

Weylin reached up, stroking my cheek with a tenderness I wouldn’t have expected from someone that ate hearts. “This is the reason I won’t claim you. If shifters knew you existed, if somehow claiming one another strengthens us, it’s not just our hearts with a price tag on them anymore. Others would be going after yours as well.” He tapped my chest.

Rainor

Let me out!the beast roared as he ran at top speed into the door. He had been going mad ever since we had seen Lila take care of herself.

I gave up. I gave up talking him out of it. I gave up trying to rein him in. I gave up giving a damn. I yelled at him over and over that we were separated because of him. Because of his lack of control, and that just pissed him off even further.

I’d only seen this blind rage a few times, and it was enough to wipe out whole packs.

She is mine.He threw himself at the wall, clawing at it until our claws broke, blood coating it like a scene from a horror film.I will take her, and I will destroy anyone that tries to stop me.

He ran at the wall, headfirst, and pain shot through my skull. He was going to cause us brain damage at this rate.

I’ll claim her.

He ran again. This time, his shoulder took the brunt of the hit.

I’ll take her.

He ran…and we staggered. But the beast had one last thought before he passed out.

I will consume her.Andthatwas why I could never be with her. He wanted her so badly, all of her, I didn’t trust that he wouldn’t hurt her to take it. At this point, I got the impression that the beast would fall for Lila’s heart so deeply, he would end up consuming it. And that would be his delusional version of true love.

17

LILA

Isat cross-legged on my bed with my laptop open and Max curled next to me. The door was open because I didn’t see the point in closing it; I knew they could hear me through the door. Besides, I kind of liked listening to Weylin and Kage argue in the kitchen while they attempted to cook.

I was going through the case files on the task force server. The teams had been busy gathering information on the murdered alphas, and within one day, they’d surprised me with the amount of time they put into this investigation. They were more efficient than any team I had worked with before.

A little nervous, I checked my watch, knowing my next heat wave should be hitting relatively soon. With what happened earlier with Weylin, I was warming up to the idea of them being a little more hands-on.

I picked up my cell and dialed the number Weylin had given me. It rang for a bit before going to voicemail. I rolled my eyes and texted Emma.

Lila:This is Lila, pick up.

I waited a moment, and then this time when I called, she answered on the first ring.

“Lila!” She seemed relieved. “I am so sorry I didn’t tell you about the whole luna thing before.”

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