"What do you mean?" I ask him as we walk toward the fields.

"I know I told you that you didn't have to stay with me, but now I believe you should," Colt says firmly.

"No. Why?" As we walk toward Lauren, people around us stare. I’m certain the gossip has already spread.

"Because, Cass... when Ezra jumped at you in the war room, he was trying to mark you."

"What!?"

"And I don't think he's going to stop."

I narrow my eyes at him. "Are you just saying this to get me to stay with you?"

"No. I'm not. I’m genuinely concerned." I can see it on his face; he’s telling the truth.

"What is going on?" Lauren asks, walking up to us.

"People are talking about you two," she says, her expression guarded.

I sigh. "A lot has happened."

"Cass, I have to speak to my father again," Colt says. "Don't go anywhere by yourself. Stay with your sister until I return."

"Okay, okay. Go."

"I mean it, Cass."

I give him an irritated nod. He’s fussing a bit too much, but I comply. After he leaves, I tell Lauren everything that happened in the war room.

"What the hell?! Now Ezra wants you back?! What a fucking prick!" she exclaims. I nod in agreement, but she looks at me with deep concern. "How do you feel about that?"

"I feel nothing but anger. I told you, I have no feelings left for him. None that are good, anyway."

"Are you sure? He is your mate."

"I am sure, Lauren. That ship has sailed. I want nothing to do with him."

"And what about Colt?"

At that question, I pause. "I don't know."

"You seem comfortable with him right now."

"I am... I think I am. I like him, but if I’m honest, I’m afraid. What if he changes his mind? Besides, I still don't understand why he’s interested in me like this. He wasn't back then."

"Well, he had a mate then," she points out.

"True..."

As we talk, two girls walk by, whispering and staring at me.

"Come on. Let's go home where we can talk in private. And I have something I want to show you," she says, looking excited.

When we get home, Lauren immediately pulls something out of her bag. "Tada!"

"Oh! That's so cute! Did you make these?" I ask, holding up small, hand-knitted baby booties.

"Yes! Obviously, we don't know if it's a girl or a boy yet, so I made them in yellow and green, but look how cute they turned out!" I clap with excitement. "I can't wait until the baby is here! How excited is James?"

"Oh my gosh! He won't stop talking about it. He’s already looking for names."

"What does he have in mind?"

"Oh, Goddess! Don't get me started. He wants to name the baby 'Princess' if it’s a girl. Like, literally name her Princess."

I start laughing. "That's ridiculous!"

"And what if it's a boy?" I ask.

"James," she says, looking unamused.

I laugh even harder. "Yeah, I’m the one who has to push the baby out, and he thinks he’s going to name it after himself? Nope."

"Name what?" James asks, walking in just in time.

"The baby," I say, and he beams.

"Princess and James!" he cheers.

"No! We have not decided on that!" Lauren points a finger at him.

He sprints toward her and scoops her up, twirling her around. "We'll see about that, boss lady!"

I smile, watching them. They are so in love. I always wanted what they have, but my own love story turned out... different. To have a loving mate is every werewolf's dream, but my dreams were shattered a long time ago.

They start kissing, and I know that is my cue to leave. I head to my room, where I stare at my things and debate whether Colt is being too rash. I don't want to leave yet—but even more, I’m not ready to move in with him. We’ve had a few nice moments, but I still don't really know him.

As I’m thinking, I hear a commotion in the living room. I step out to see Ezra and Kaecy. Both look completely out of breath.

"I couldn't stop him," Kaecy says.

"Listen to me..." Ezra says, his eyes locking onto mine.

I back away as he takes a step toward me.

"Stay away," I command.

"Wait. Just... listen. Let me..." He struggles, and we can all tell he has no idea what to say.

"What is going on?" James asks, looking between us, completely lost.

"Alpha Ezra, let's sit and talk," Lauren says, her voice steady. She looks at me. "We can do that, right?"

I can tell she’s concerned, and so am I. If I say no, I fear he might do something drastic. I nod.

Kaecy guides Ezra to a chair. Lauren and James sit on the sofa opposite him, and I follow suit, staying as far to the edge as possible. Ezra’s eyes are on me, sharp as a hawk’s.

"So, what brings you here, Alpha Ezra?" Lauren asks.

He says nothing, his gaze never leaving me.