Julian had always been everywhere in my life. More than my blood. More than the pack. He was in my childhood, my quiet places, my plans. I thought I could not breathe without him.
But death taught me the truth. It was not love. It was a chain. A poison that kept me tied to him even after my heart stopped. His voice lived in my bones. It haunted me.
Now his voice made my blood burn. I wanted to tear him apart with my teeth. I wanted to silence him for good. Hate tasted raw and hot under my tongue.
The morning was thin and cold. Snow drifted down like ash. Streetlights pooled gold on the white. It was almost eight, but the world still felt asleep. I heard Julian's steps before I saw him. Each scrape of his shoes cut at my nerves.
I felt the flare of fury rise. I pushed it down. This was not the time for wild hunting. I had one clean second chance. I was not yet a true predator again. I had to be smart.
