Christy’s feet pounded against earth, twigs cracking as she raced back towards the border between the Outland and the Stargaza lands with tears streaming down her face. She had experienced the happiest moment of her life – now she walked back towards the man who tried to destroy everything she held dear.

Malic? she called out her brother’s name again. She knew it hadn’t been a dream or some trick sent by Oren. It had been real.

She stopped when she reached the border, glancing back. The Outland had felt more like home than the Stargaza ever had. People had respected her there. She’d felt free to be herself.

Her inner wolf demanded out. It wanted blood. Revenge.

Christy ignored the beast, made sure the charm Magda had given her was safe inside her bra. Forgive me, Ronan. She took a deep breath, took one step over into Stargaza land and waited for the guards to appear.

Three men surrounded her, all strong and tough, their eyes leering at her.

“Stop, I’m Christiana, I’m the alpha.” She kept her hands by her side to avoid alarming them. “Take me to the mansion.” One of the men reached for her, she yanked his arm back, feeling the snap of bone. “Don’t touch me,” she warned. “I come in peace. Let’s go.” She shoved the man to the ground, marched ahead towards the mansion, hearing them cursing behind her.

Her heart ached at the sight of her former home where she’d watched her father being murdered. But maybe she hadn’t lost all her family. If Malic had survived, she’d find him. Together they’d take down the bastard who had tried to destroy their family and clan.

Christy marched straight into the great hall, found Alec sitting in the alpha’s wooden throne. The mahogany wood gleamed and a wolf’s head was carved into the top half of the seat. It sickened her to see him sitting in her father’s seat, that throne had been made for an alpha, not a traitor to the clans. Now it was rightfully hers.

Alec’s dark eyes widened when he saw her. He rose, walked over. “You’ve returned.”

She glared at him. “I didn’t come here to you. I want to see my brother. Right now.”

She saw something flicker in his eyes – surprise. Her lips curved into a smile. Ha, weren’t expecting that now, were you?

“Your brother is dead. I slaughtered him along with your father.”

“My father may be dead but Mal isn’t.” She met his gaze, searching for any hint of emotion but found none.

Alec circled her, then brushed a hand over her hair. “You’re brave coming back here, little wolf. I expected to have to drag you back.”

Christy slapped his hand away. “Don’t call me that, show some respect. I’m an alpha now.”

Alec threw his head back and laughed. “I am the alpha. There are no clans now, just one. Mine. The Stargaza is–”

She put her hands on her hips. “Still alive. As alpha, I can feel the presence of my clan. You didn’t kill all of them.”

“I’m pleased you have a sudden desire for power. With you by my side we’ll–”

She burst out laughing. “Save your breath, Alec. You never wanted me because I was the alpha’s daughter, you wanted me because I have witch blood. Because I have the power to end the curse,” she snapped. “You can’t use magic either, can you? You used your puppet–” she glared at Oren. “– to trick my father into agreeing to our engagement. You want the clans true enough, but you want real power. The power that only comes from being a true shifter.” She folded her arms. “Well, you’ll never have it now. Ronan and I are mated. I’m the alpha now.” With a wave of her hand, she sent Alec flying across the room.

“No!” Oren appeared in front of her. “I don’t know how you learnt the truth, girl, but you won’t ruin something I’ve spent decades planning.”

Christy hurled a ball of white fire at him. He dodged it, raised his hand, sent a bolt of blue lightning out.

It struck her in the chest, hurtling her body against the wall. She winced, feeling a strange sensation force way through her body. Her wolf screamed to get out then went silent. She’d gone. No! You took my father, I won’t let you take part of me! Christy reached for power, hurled it at Oren, who deflected it back at her.

Christy slumped to the floor, feeling blackness closing in. “You’ll never defeat me, girl.” He smiled down at her.

Two guards dragged Christy back up to her bedroom with Oren trailing behind them. She fought to stay awake, stay conscious. If she blacked out he’d be able to control her better.

“Where is Malic?” she demanded as the guards dumped onto her bed. “What did you do to him?”

“You’re strong. Just like Olivia,” Oren remarked.

Her eyes flashed. “I know you killed her because she tried to break the curse. I just don’t understand why.”

“Having a witch marry the alpha was the worst thing imaginable. I’ve spent decades trying to gain control over this island. First, I created the clan wars and set those packs of half brained dogs against each other. It worked better than I planned it to. The shifters even took down my brethren and wiped out the Amara clan. But I can’t let the curse end just yet.”

Christy forced herself into a sitting position. “Why?” she snapped. “I know you’re the not one who created the curse, so why would you still need it? It isn’t just because you want to control our kind.”

He chuckled. “Clever girl, but that’s enough for one night.” He raised his hand.

She yelped as pain tore through her mind, waves of agony shooting through her brain. No! She forced him back, locking gazes with him. Get away from me!

Oren’s eyes widened in shock. The old man flew out the door, slamming it behind him. It bolted shut, light shimmering over it.

She slumped back on the bed, energy spent. She’d hoped her magic wouldn’t drain her as much now she was alpha, or maybe it was just due to being apart from Ronan. A glance around the room revealed it to be almost as she left it. Some of her items had been moved. No doubt by Oren in his attempts to find her.

Why did he need the curse so much? He had more power than any shifter could possess. Did he enjoy keeping her kind under control?

Christy rose, stumbled over to her dressing table on wobbly legs. She grabbed a photo of her and Mal standing outside the mansion together.

Mal? She closed her eyes, reaching at him with her mind. Her wolf searched too, howling for its kin. Come on, Malic, where are you?

Malic! she screamed. Tell me where you are. Only darkness followed by the thump of a heartbeat followed. He’s alive!

Christy blinked as the feeling faded. Yanking the door open, she grabbed the blonde-haired guard by the throat. “Take me to my brother right now or I’ll fry off your balls!” she snarled. White fire formed in her free hand, she brought it up to his face for good measure.

The shifter shook his head. “But – but Alec said–”

“Say bye-bye then.” She raised her hand.

He pulled away, body trembling and motioned for her to follow. “Come with me, princess.”

“I’m not a princess anymore,” she muttered, closing her flaming palm into a fist and snuffing out the fire.

She followed after him as he scurried off to find Malic.