Chapter 43

• "You look tired, Rhea," Ash said to her, his low, deep voice smooth. He sat opposite her in the tiny, warm living room of the lake house, observing her where she lay on a comfortable couch, a book open across her lap, but not reading. Her eyes were fixed on the flames of the burning fireplace. The house was a sanctuary, a haven from the chaos of the pack. They had moved there a week ago.
• "I am just thinking," she said, her voice low. The warmth of the fire, the quiet calm of the room, it was a balm to her weary soul. "I am thinking about the new laws. I am thinking about Theon. I am thinking about what we have done." She looked at the symbols on her hand, a soft, glowing light from the bond. "Is this real? Are we safe here?"
• "We are as safe as we can be," Zane replied, standing up and sitting beside her. He pushed the book gently from her hands. "The pack is with us. The Captain Rylan and his guards are standing at the borders. We have individuals going out every day to patrol. Theon is gone. For now. We must breathe, Rhea. We must live this moment. We must heal."