---- 6 In our first year of marriage, Kieran drove me to and from work every single day. Even when his own pack business wasn't finished, he'd insist on taking me home first before returning to handle it. I told him I could take a cab-he didn't need to carve time out of his schedule for me every day. Kieran would open the passenger door, one hand shielding the top of the frame while the other helped me in, always smiling. "I want to be the one who opens every car door for you. I want to always be by your side." The person who spoke those words had long forgotten them. Maybe it was time for the one who heard them to let go too. I stood up and forced myself to walk forward. Scarlett sent another message: "Nightshade Forest. There's a good show I'd like Luna to watch. " So it really was because of her. ---- Acar approached from the distance. I waved it down, not noticing it wasn't a taxi. I told the driver, "I'll pay you five thousand dollars. Please follow that car ahead." The driver froze for a moment, then floored the accelerator. We arrived at almost the same time as Kieran. Kieran parked at the edge of Nightshade Forest and rushed inside. I followed close behind. Kieran burst into a circle of werewolves surrounding Scarlett. He pulled her into his arms and kicked the lead wolf viciously. His own wolf was fighting to surface, his eyes flashing crimson with deadly intent. "Which hand touched her? Where did you touch her?" The man looked up. Kieran's face showed surprise. ---- I could see the man's face clearly too-Seth Williams, Seth Pack's Alpha and Kieran's sworn enemy. Seth's pack members surged forward, showing no weakness. "Kieran Blackwood, you dare kick me? Are you trying to start a war between our packs?" "She seduced me first, then attacked me with a silver blade for no reason. Now you're jumping out to defend her honor." "This whole performance-do you think I'm easy to manipulate, or have things been too peaceful between our packs lately?" Scarlett cried beautifully, tears streaming down her face. "Kieran, he tried to assault me first. I was only defending myself. I didn't know it would escalate this far." Kieran's expression grew darker. Seth leaned casually against a tree, completely relaxed. Winters Pack's Alpha had been emphasizing peaceful development for years, leaving him no chance for real combat. Now he