Back at the Blood Moon pack estate, Rick sat on the edge of his bed, elbows on his knees and hands clasped. His jaw was tight as he thought about so many things at the same time.
Alia was pacing by the windows, going on about… something; maybe the decorations for the next celebration, or a dressmaker who had upset her. She also mentioned someone's rude daughter. But Rick could only catch about every fifth word.
He wasn't really there.
His mind had been trapped since the last time Emerald visited.
He didn't want to think about her at all. He'd spent weeks training himself not to, convincing himself that she was a manipulator, a liar, and just someone who played games. That her showing up here had been some stunt, another way to get under his skin or try to get his attention.
And yet…
