“You know, you really would look more handsome if you smiled.”

Zac turned around and came face-to-face with Adrianna. The Lupa-to-be looked resplendent in a blue-green gown that matched both her eye colors. “I could say the same for you. This is your ascension ball, not a funeral.”

Her expression faltered. “Yeah, yeah. I know.”

“Is Jersey really that bad?” he asked.

She raised a thick, dark brow. “Have you lived there?”

He laughed. “No, but you would think it was the worst place in the world.”

She sighed. “I don’t know why the Lycan Council didn’t just let my mother and father consolidate the territory into one. It would have been simpler for everyone.”

Zac was still unsure why Adrianna was reluctant to take on the role of Lupa. It was her legacy, and her right. She would be one of the few female Alphas in the world. A Lupa in her own right, not just the wife of an Alpha. “I’m sure it will be fine.”

“I know. But, let’s get back to you,” she said. “What’s got you tied up in knots? Still not sure about accepting the position at Fenrir and the role of Beta?”

Right about now, he wished that was his problem. Deciding on that would have been easier than what had really been torturing him the past few days. The sight of Astrid standing in the rain would be something he would never forget in his life.

You said I was yours.

His wolf growled at him. It had been furious the past two days, ripping him up from the inside. It wouldn’t let him rest, displeased at what he had done. If only he could explain. If only it would understand. But it was an animal, and it wanted what it wanted. And it wanted Astrid.

It’s better this way, he told himself. Blood and family were the most important thing in the world. He kept thinking of his mother’s face. How disappointed she would be. Or how awful it would be for her to find out that he’d been sneaking around with the daughter of the man who—

“Zac?” Adrianna’s face was now drawn into a look of concern. “Zac, I’m being serious now. What’s the matter?”

“I’m fine, Adrianna.” He leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Enjoy your party.”

He didn’t want to walk away from his friend, but he was not in the mood to talk. Or even think. Maybe he could find some sort of distraction; drown himself in alcohol until he couldn’t think straight. Or some other way to get his mind off Astrid. This was New York, after all, and there were lots of beautiful women out there, surely he could find one to help him forget Astrid. But the thought of even being with another woman made his stomach churn.

As he began to walk toward the doors, a hand looped around his arm, stopping him from going further. “Zac, where are you going?”

His mother’s gentle voice shook him out of his thoughts. This is for her, he told himself. You’re doing this for her. The woman who gave you life. “Mom,” he greeted and kissed her on the temple. “You’ve done a marvelous job.”

Despite the time constraints, The Grand Ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria looked absolutely stunning. The room was dressed up to the nines with flowers, huge crystal centerpieces on every table, and green and gold decor pieces all over. It must have taken an enormous effort and amount of time to pull this off, and only Cady Vrost would have been able to do it.

“I had a lot of help,” she laughed. “But I am glad we were able to organize it all And that almost everyone could make it.”

“This is a momentous occasion,” he said. “I’m sorry, Mom, did you need me for anything? Otherwise, I did want to just pop out for some fresh air.”

“Your Aunt Lara was looking for you. It’s been ages since she’s seen you and she wanted to say hello. Everyone from San Francisco’s here, of course, including all your cousins.”

Zac put on a tight smile. “Let’s go and say hi then.”

He allowed Cady to lead him back to the middle of the room where two women were standing by a cocktail table. They both looked similar though one was older, but not by much, at least, not at first glance.

“Zac, there you are!” Lara Henney embraced him in a full hug. “It’s been so long! I haven’t seen you since before you left for London.”

“You look great, Aunt Lara.” The older woman was dressed in a beautiful red ball gown the same shade as her hair.

“Hey, Zac,” his cousin, Elise, greeted in a shy voice. She was almost a carbon copy of her mother, except for the eyes which were a stunning electric blue color. Her dress was the same shade, but much more modest, including the long silky gloves that covered her arms. Zac embraced her too, though she stiffened slightly at the contact.

“It’s been a while, Elise. Why don’t you ever visit us in New York? You guys used to do it all the time when you were younger.”

She shrugged. “I just prefer to be at home.”

“I had to drag her out here,” Lara said. “And since my mother couldn’t make it to the ball, we’ll be visiting her upstate.” Lara’s mother, Vivianne, was the head of the New York coven. “Won’t you come with us?”

“I’ll try, Aunt Lara,” he said. “So, where’s Uncle Liam? Who else came with you?”

“Your Uncle Liam’s around somewhere. Donovan’s here too,” she replied, referring to her eldest son. “Hmmm … I thought I saw him … oh, there he is.” She narrowed her eyes toward the dance floor. “Who’s that he’s dancing with?”

Cady laughed. “Lara, don’t you recognize her? That’s Meredith and Daric’s youngest. Astrid.”

“Astrid?” Lara did a double take. “That’s her? I always imagined her as that rebellious teen who shaved her head. That young woman is stunning.”

The mention of her name made Zac freeze. Slowly, he turned to where his aunt was looking. Sure enough, dancing with his handsome cousin was Astrid. The sight of them made his mouth turn to dust.

Astrid indeed looked stunning. She was wearing a dress in varying shades of purple with a full skirt that flowed around her as she spun on the dance floor. A cape covered her shoulders, adding some modesty to the top, but when she twirled, he could see that the front plunged into a deep V. She threw her head back and laughed, and her long, lustrous hair shook around her like a golden waterfall.

A deep longing shot through him. And it was at that moment he knew he’d made a mistake. Seeing Astrid again, the way his heart just longed for her, made him realize that there could never be anyone else for him. It was time to stop living in the past. It was time to stop living the life others wanted for him.

“Excuse me,” he said to his mother and cousin. He didn’t even wait for them to acknowledge him before he started walking away. With each step he took, his feet felt like lead. He was dreading this, knowing there was a chance he could fail spectacularly and he would lose Astrid forever. But I have to try. She has to know that—

“Son, where are you going?”

Nick’s chilly voice made him stop in his tracks. He didn’t even turn around. “I’m going to her,” he said. “I’m going to ask her to forgive me and take me back, even if I have to beg on my knees in front of everyone in this room.”

“I warned you,” his father hissed. “She’s no good. She’s—”

“Warned him about what?”

This time, they both froze. Cady stood behind them, her eyes narrowed and arms crossed over her chest. “What’s going on? Nick? Zac? And don’t say nothing, I’m not dumb!” Her eyes blazed with anger. “The two of you are so alike, I know when something’s wrong. You two have been like fire kegs, waiting to explode.”

Zac spoke first, gently wrapping his hands around her upper arms. “I’m sorry about what Daric did to you, but I have to do this. I can’t live without her.”

“What Daric—” Cady’s expression instantly changed, and her eyes darted to Astrid and then to Nick. “Explain yourself, Nick. What did you tell our son about the past?”

Nick’s jaw tightened. “The truth.”

“But not the whole truth, I imagine.” Cady turned to Zac. “Sweetheart, if you can’t live without her, then go after her.”

He stood there for a moment, stunned. “I … thank you, Mom.” He gave her a quick hug and then picked up his pace as he made a beeline for Astrid.

The song had just ended, and Astrid and Donovan broke apart. “It’s been great catching—hey, Zac, my man,” his cousin greeted.

“Hello, Donovan.”

“Dude, it’s been too long.” Donovan hugged him, but Zac remained stiff. “You never call or even visit. By the way, look who I bumped into. Astrid Jonasson.” He gestured toward Astrid. “I can still remember when she would swim naked in my pool.”

Zac felt the heat of combined anger and jealousy rage through him. His gaze zeroed in on Astrid, who had turned bright red.

“I was four years old the last time I did that,” she said defensively.

Donovan chuckled. “I’m just kidding, Astrid. Besides, you’re all grown up now.”

It was too bad that the San Francisco Lycans were patriarchal, otherwise, Elise would have inherited the Alpha title. Because Zac was pretty sure he’d cause a major incident if he punched a future Alpha’s teeth out. As the next song began to play, he cleared his throat and took ahold of his emotions. “I was hoping to dance with Astrid.”

“Of course, cuz.” Donovan gave a gracious bow out. “Be my guest. But save another dance for me, Astrid.”

“Donovan, no—”

But Zac quickly took ahold of Astrid and spun her around before she could call to Donovan who was already walking away from them to join his mother and sister. Astrid struggled in his arms, but he held her in place. “Astrid, stop,” he said.

She turned her head away from him. “I didn’t say I would dance with you.”

“I didn’t ask.” She tried to get away from him again, but he tightened his grip around her waist. “You could poof out of here, but you’re not even trying.”

She blew out a breath. “That’s because I don’t want everyone to see my abilities.”

“Or you don’t want to get away from me.”

There was a barely-contained rage in her eyes when she looked up at him. “What do you want, Zac? Did you come to accuse my family of more crimes against yours? Or to—”

“Stop. Astrid, please. I was wrong. Wrong for just leaving you like that.”

It looked like her expression faltered for a second, but the hardness in her eyes came back, like storm clouds suddenly appearing in the sky. “It’s too late, Zac.”

“Don’t say that, Astrid. It’s never too late.” He searched for something—a little tenderness in her eyes or a spark of defiance. “Because I won’t give up on you. On us.”

“You already did!” she hissed at him, finally breaking free of his arms. “You did when you left me standing in the freezing rain.” Tears began to flow down her cheeks. “When you broke my—” She sobbed, her hand going to her mouth.

The people around them were staring now, and Zac could feel their eyes on them. But he didn’t care. “I’m sorry, Astrid. And if it takes me a thousand lifetimes, I’ll never stop asking for your forgiveness. Because I love you, and I need you in my life.”

She sucked in a breath. “Zac, I—”

He never heard what she said after his name. A loud explosion filled the room and the sound wave it caused was enough to deafen him. There was a second explosion, and this time the force of it pushed him forward. He stretched his arms out to protect Astrid, then they stumbled to the floor. He cried out as pain shot through his eardrums but didn’t move. When the ringing in his ears faded, the sound of chaos was all around them.

“Zac!” Astrid said as he was getting to his feet. “What’s happening?”

“I don’t know.” He turned around. People were running everywhere. Most of them were guests, dressed up in their formal attire. Looking over to one side of the room, he saw two gigantic holes in the wall, the edges still burning. Smoke was everywhere. There was more screaming as a group of people streamed into the once-whole walls of the beautiful ballroom.

“Who the hell are those people?”

He didn’t know, but he had an idea. Sure enough, some of them wore the same robes as the attackers from Deedee’s party. But it wasn’t just them. There were also men wearing dark clothing and holding guns. His blood froze like ice. The mages were here.

“Get out of here!” Zac said to Astrid. “Run. Go somewhere safe.”

“What? No!” She gripped his shoulders. “I’m not leaving without you.”

“I have to find my parents.”

“Mine are here too,” she pointed out. “And—oh shit!”

The men with guns began to fire into the crowd, dispersing them and had them stampeding toward the exits. Meanwhile, two large groups of mages had split up.

Zac had an idea where they would be going. Lucas and Adrianna. Already, he could hear the sounds of growling and clothes ripping as the Lycans began to shift, ready to fight their mortal enemies. But the mages weren’t unprepared. He saw two wolves corner a mage. He laughed and threw something at them—a potion—and burst into a cloud of smoke. The wolves whimpered and cried out as they fell to the floor.

“No! Mom! Uncle Killian!” Astrid cried as she poofed away. She reappeared right by the fallen wolves.

“Astrid! Come back!” Shit. He had to get her away from here, somewhere safe. He called on his wolf, shifting into his animal form as soon as he could, ignoring the pain as his body reshaped itself. He was half-running, trying to get to Astrid. As he sprang across the room, he slowed down when he saw two mages standing over a prone and unconscious Adrianna. Fuck. He couldn’t let them get to her, but Astrid—

A large, gray wolf leapt from out of nowhere and knocked both mages down. It raised its gigantic head and briefly, their eyes met. The wolf’s eyes were a rich cobalt blue. He didn’t know anyone from the New York clan with such a distinct eye color or that color fur. It was really more silver than gray. Its maw opened wide, baring its teeth as it bore down on one of the mages’ head, while a large paw swiped at the other.

Zac sighed with relief inwardly. Adrianna was saved by the wolf, whoever it was. He pushed his wolf’s body forward, making it all the way across the room to stop in front of Astrid as she cradled the white wolf in her arms.

“Mom … Mom …” she cried. “No …”

“She’ll be all right, I’ll take care of her.” Daric said as he materialized beside Astrid. He picked up his mate and then turned to Zac. “The mages are banking on the chaos. You must not let them get to Lucas.”

Zac nodded and turned tail. Astrid would be safe with her father. He’ll bring her to safety. For now, he had to find Lucas and make sure the mages did’t take him.

The entire room was in pandemonium. He guessed that was the plan—to cause as much panic and destruction as possible so the Lycans wouldn’t know what hit them. But he kept his focus, filtering out all the distractions around him until he found—

Lucas!

Two men in black held his arms as he was on his knees. His head hung limply, though he still struggled. Drugged, Zac thought. A man in a red robe stood in front of him.

“You thought you had gotten rid of us!” the man hissed. “But you have merely slowed us down. A new Magus has come forth!” He held up his hand and something began to glow in his hand. No, it wasn’t glowing. It was on fire. The fireball grew larger and larger as he extended his palms. “When I make this sacrifice and take the blood power from this creature, I will be the most powerful Master Mage the world has ever seen!” He raised his arms high and aimed his sights on Lucas.

He ran as fast as he could, his hind legs giving one last push as he leapt forward. One of the mages holding Lucas down saw him and let out a shout. But it was too late. The man in the red robe released the fireball.

Zac tumbled in front of Lucas and he waited for the heat and flames. But it never came. When he got to his feet he saw why.

No!

His heart ripped into two when he saw the figure engulfed in flames. The long hair, the billowy skirt, and the cape. Astrid had put herself between Lucas and the flames, to save him and stop the mages.

He wasn’t sure what happened next. It was like he was watching a movie play in front of his eyes as his wolf took over. His animal hurtled toward the man in the red robe. He must not have expected it as the man’s red eyes grew wide with fright. The wolf landed on top, pinning him to the ground as the animal went straight for his throat.

The man didn’t even have time to scream as Zac’s wolf ripped out his vocal chords. Warm blood gushed into its mouth, flowing down its jaws. The rage and grief wouldn’t let it stop, as it kept chomping down on the man’s neck and shoulders.

“Zachary, stop! Stop!” came a familiar voice.

He felt himself being lifted away by an invisible force. The wolf continued to struggle, not quite done with its revenge, despite the fact that the man was already dead and half his body practically decimated.

“No!” he half-growled and half-snarled as his human side ripped out of his wolf’s body. He got to his feet. The anger and fury inside him wouldn’t let him stop. He would kill every last one of these mages for what they did to Astrid.

“Zachary, calm down,” Daric said as he appeared in front of Zac. He wrapped an arm around his shoulder to pull him back.

“Calm down! What the fuck, Daric! They killed her! Your daughter! My …” He broke down, the anguish and pain replacing his anger. “Astrid.”

“Zachary, open your eyes.” His voice was oddly calm. “Open your eyes so you can see what’s right in front of you.”

“Open my eyes?” Maybe Daric had gone mad with grief too. “What do you mean?”

Daric stared back at him with those strange, blue-green eyes. “There.”

He looked toward where Astrid’s body had burned right before him. He blinked several times, as he wasn’t sure what he was seeing.

Aunt Lara was kneeling down, her arms around a woman who was completely naked, her face obscured by her blonde hair. Lara had found a length of fabric—probably a table cloth—to wrap around the young woman. When the young woman lifted her head, their eyes locked.

His heart leapt out of his chest. “No, it couldn’t—” But he was already running toward her, unable to control his feet. “Astrid!”

She looked up at him, her eyes wide with fright. “Zac! I don’t understand … I saw that fireball about to hit you and I just … it was hot but I wasn’t burning.”

“You’re alive.” He slipped his hands under her arms and pulled her to him, inhaling that achingly familiar scent. “You’re alive. I thought you’d died.”

“Astrid, darling,” Lara said. “Did you … I mean, you leapt in front of the fireball, but you weren’t burned up?”

She shook her head. “No, Aunt Lara. I mean, I could have sworn I did. But maybe it wasn’t a real fireball?”

“Your clothes were all singed away,” she said. “But you’re unharmed?”

“I guess?” Astrid looked down at her arms. “Nothing. Not a scratch.”

Lara’s gaze darted from Zac to Astrid. “Uh, I might have a theory.”

“What is it?” Zac asked. “What do you know, Aunt Lara?”

“Er,” the older woman hesitated. “Astrid, darling, is there even a small chance you could be … pregnant?”

“Pregnant?” both Zac and Astrid said at the same time.

“Zac, Astrid,” Daric called as he approached them. “What your Aunt Lara is trying to say is that if Astrid is pregnant with her True Mate’s child, it may explain why she didn’t burn in the fire. She’s indestructible.”

Zac allowed the information to sink in. Pregnant. Astrid was pregnant. And it was his. He had no doubt. “Astrid …”

Her face had gone ashen. “I can’t … it’s not …” She turned to her father. “Dad, did you know?”

Daric went silent.

“Astrid,” Zac began. “Talk to me. Please.”

“I need … some …” She tried to stand up, but her legs seemed wobbly, so Zac caught her. “It doesn’t make sense … you and me, True Mates?”

Zac pulled her into an embrace. “It makes perfect sense to me, sweetheart. I told you, I love you.”

“The mages,” she said suddenly. “And Mom!”

“Your mother is fine,” Daric said. “I took her to the Lycan medical facility in The Enclave. And our enemies have been subdued by the Lycan Security Team. We were prepared for them to attack us, but I must admit, we were surprised that they would bring humans with them or that they would be so bold as to stage a head-on attack.”

Lara’s face went pale. “Were the humans under the control of the mages?”

Daric’s face darkened. “It didn’t seem like it.”

“Can I see Mom?” Astrid said.

“She’s still recovering for now. But I will take you to her, when you are ready.”

“For now,” Lara said. “We’ll leave you two to talk. Daric?”

The warlock nodded. “I shall be helping with the cleanup. Call me when you are ready to leave.”

“I will.” She hugged her father.

“Astrid,” Zac began. “Are you really all right?”

“I can’t explain it … but I am. I—”

He embraced her tight, inhaling her scent and reveling in the feeling that she was here. Alive. “I’m so sorry, Astrid. For everything. Please. Forgive me.” He got down on his knees pressed his cheek against her stomach, and then realization dawned that their child was in there. A new life, one that was half of them both. “I know I don’t deserve you. I acted like an idiot, and I should have fought harder for us.

She took a deep breath. “I was so angry at you, that you just left like that. But I know that you were thinking of your mother. What happened to her was horrible, and my dad has had to live with what he did every day. But we can’t keep paying for the mistakes of our parents or living in the past.” She cupped his chin in her hands and tilted his face up. “I don’t know what came over me. I was watching that man, and he was going to hurt you and I just … poofed. I was halfway across the room and I didn’t even think about it. I just appeared where I wanted to be. Because I couldn’t let you die.”

She was crying now, and he got up so he could wipe the tears from her cheeks. “You couldn’t?”

“No. Not without telling you that I love you, too.”

Zac thought he was dreaming. Or that he had died. “Astrid … I love you so much.” He held her beautiful face in his hands and leaned down to claim her lips in a passionate kiss. God, she was the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted. For days he thought he would never get to hold her in his arms again, and now here she was. “If you forgive me, I promise you I’ll never let you go.”

She looked up at him, her eyes shining with love. “Just kiss me again, and I’ll forgive everything.”