Since the failed peace summit, Jane had spent nearly every minute of the next week in her room. She’d taken all her meals at her desk and spent her days in bed reading, talking to her baby, and trying to figure out her next move.

Jane had been a bit of a pariah before the meeting, but that was nothing compared to how her pack treated her now. When she dared to venture out of her room, only her mother and Ian would look her in eye. Sometimes she’d catch people glaring in her direction, but they’d just turn away and pretend she didn’t exist. As far as her pack was concerned, she was persona non grata.

That didn’t really bother her. After all, she’d fought tooth and nail to go to college so she could create a life outside the pack, and everyone had considered her a traitor. But because she was the alpha’s daughter, they’d kept their mouths shut. At least until they’d thought she was out of earshot. After the meeting with the Warren alpha—her baby’s father—they didn’t bother hiding their disdain.

Honestly, she didn’t care what any of them thought. Like it or not, she was going to have her baby. The question remained, though, if that baby would have a father.

Reese was never far from her thoughts. As much as she fantasized about him dropping in to see how she was healing, that would be impossible. First, he’d have to fight his way through the entire pack to reach her. A pack who would happily tear him sixteen new assholes. Second, he’d then have to somehow get past her father and his goons. Third, if the National Circle caught wind of such a visit—when they’d forbidden any contact—he’d be stripped of his status and exiled. It was tantamount to a death sentence since wolves needed a pack to survive.

You and your baby need a pack to survive too, a voice whispered in her head.

“Shut up,” she mumbled and covered her head with the thick comforter. Unfortunately, she couldn’t get away from herself that easily. The voice was right. She needed a pack—that’s why she’d returned in the first place—but her own had all but rejected her. No doubt her pup would be even less welcome.

Snuggling into the warm, dark depths of her bed, she daydreamed about moving into Reese’s pack. He’d protected her that day, and she knew he’d also been protecting his baby. He either smelled her pregnancy or somehow sensed it, but either way, he knew. No alpha worth the title would allow his pup to be raised without him. He’d come for her, she just knew it, and when he did, she’d live happily ever after as a Warren wolf.

Only…

The truth hit her like a slap in the face. Neither pack would want her or her mixed child. The baby would be reviled because of the half of him that didn’t belong. The Warrens might be more accepting of her at first, but they’d never trust her. Then, as soon as a towheaded Coleman baby was born, they’d turn on them both, and possibly even Reese. Hugging her tummy, tears burned behind her eyes as she frantically racked her brain for a solution.

A soft knock on her door brought her out from under the covers. Her mother poked her head in and smiled. Not for the first time, Jane was struck by Ginger’s impossible beauty and prayed she’d look half as good at the same age.

“Hi, honey,” Ginger said, closing the door gently behind her.

Jane stretched and yawned as she sat up. “What’s up?”

“Just thought you’d like some company.” Ginger sat beside Jane, cupped her chin, and tipped her face to the side. “Let me see your bruise.”

The mark on her cheek had faded to an ugly green, which seemed to satisfy her mother.

“Almost as good as new,” Ginger said with a sad smile.

Jane grimaced. “Almost.”

“I know I wasn’t there, Jane, but—”

“He didn’t mean it,” Jane finished for her. “Yeah, you’ve said that already.”

“It’s not like him to lose control that way.” Her mother entwined her fingers with Jane’s and stroked the back of her hand.

“It’s not like him to snap at you, either,” Jane said.

In the past week, the few times she’d heard her father’s voice, it had been raised in a gruff shout, calling her mother’s name. He didn’t ask questions anymore—he made demands—and based on her mother’s pained expression, both women knew it was true.

“My relationship with your father is my business,” her mother said, and though the words weren’t harsh, Jane knew better than to press her further.

“It was bad enough when he didn’t look at me,” Jane said. “Now he doesn’t even talk to me.”

On the few occasions they’d found themselves in the same room at the same time, her father had refused to acknowledge her in any way. He’d simply mumble to himself as he hurried out of the room. Sometimes she’d catch a muttered “Warren” or “bitch,” and even though she pretended not to hear, her heart always folded in on itself just a little more.

“He could be feeling guilty about what he did,” Ginger offered. “People react differently when they know they were in the wrong. Your father is no different. He’s a proud man.”

“It’s not just him, Mom.”

Ginger frowned. “Who?”

“Everyone!” Jane huffed as she climbed out of bed and moved to the window.

The front of her pajama bottoms rolled down to settle under her pregnancy bump, reminding her it was time to go shopping for maternity clothes. If she could manage to drag herself out of her room.

“They hate me, Mom. They hated that I came home knocked up by some strange wolf. Now word has spread like wildfire that Reese and I recognized each other. So, of course, they hate me even more. What’s worse is they’ll hate my baby.”

Ginger moved to her daughter and enfolded her in a comforting embrace. They stood that way for some time, swaying gently as Jane knew she’d sway with her own child when he or she needed the comfort only a mother could give.

“I should have known my daughter would choose an alpha,” Ginger finally murmured into Jane’s hair.

“Even if it’s the wrong alpha?”

“Who says?” Ginger demanded, pushing her daughter to arm’s length. “A baby that is both Warren and Coleman? That will be a fearsome wolf, my dearest. Strong too. Maybe strong enough to unite both clans once and for all. A union between you and the Warren alpha…”

“Nobody said anything about a union. He didn’t claim me. As far as I know, he hasn’t given my condition a second thought.”

Jane knew she was pouting, but sometimes a girl just needed a good pout. Of course, her mother would never let her wallow.

“I hardly think he’s had the chance with you locked away like a princess in a tower.”

Jane sighed heavily. “I know, I just…”

“You miss him?”

She did. All these months, even before she discovered she was pregnant, she’d longed for Reese. She ached for him to hold her one more time, to kiss her so hard her toes curled, then make love to her until she screamed. She’d made her peace that she’d never see him again, but then… There he was. And he lived just a few miles away, yet it might as well have been a million.

Tired of thinking about the mate she could never have, Jane changed subjects.

“I’m worried about Daddy.”

Her mother stiffened but remained silent.

“Don’t you think he’s been different lately?” Jane pressed.

Ginger released Jane and smoothed her auburn locks away from her face. “I think he’s under a lot of stress. You know how close he was with Peter. The death of a beta can be hard on an alpha.”

“It seems like more than that, Mom. I’ve caught him talking to himself a lot lately. And he’s—” Jane shook her head, trying to find the word. “—cruel. He calls me names under his breath and he’s unforgivably rude to you. I’m starting to wonder if something is seriously wrong.”

A gentle crease appeared between her mother’s eyes, but that was all the other woman gave away. “Like I said, your father is under a lot of stress, and that’s the last word I have on the subject, understand?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Jane demurred.

Of course, not talking didn’t make her concerns vanish. Jane worried what would happen if her father really was sick. If he died or turned feral, Ian would be next in line to become alpha. A chill rippled down her spine and raised goosebumps over her entire body.

Ginger pulled Jane into a quick hug. “Well, my dearest, what can I get you for dinner?”

“Dinner?” Jane said with a laugh.

Ginger raised a solitary eyebrow. “It’s almost six.”

“Oh.” Time certainly flew by when one hid under the covers all damn day. “I’m not hungry. Maybe some—”

“Orange juice?” Her mother shook her head. “I’ll bring you food, too. See that you eat it. A baby of such strong lineage will need everything you can give it.”

With another gentle smile, Ginger swept from the room, leaving the door ajar behind her.

Jane stared blankly at the door, willing herself to close it before her father stalked past and cursed her again. Then again, maybe she ought to go for a run—a nice long one to clear her mind and get her thinking straight again. The enforcers would no doubt follow her, but she’d make them work for it. Even five months pregnant, she was fast.

The challenge of humiliating the enforcers boosted her spirits enough to dig out her running clothes. She was just about to drop her PJ bottoms when the door creaked open behind her. Ginger must have already had a meal prepared. Always the mother hen, and Jane wouldn’t have it any other way.

“That was fa—”

Jane’s smile quickly turned into a grimace. Ian stood in the doorway, biting his lip and letting his nasty gaze slide up and down her body. And now I need a shower.

“Get out of here, Ian. This is my private bedroom.”

She glared at him with all the hatefire burning inside her. He smiled in return.

“I thought a private room would be best for a private conversation.”

He swung the door shut behind him, the soft click seeming to echo through the quiet room. He slunk toward her and took a seat on Jane’s mussed bed. Her upper lip peeled back in a snarl that he’d dare get so close to where she slept. The slimy smirk never left his pinched, smug face.

“Haven’t seen you at all this week,” he finally said, his tone smooth, as if he actually gave a rat’s ass.

Ever think that was by design, asshole? She didn’t dare say that though.

“I’ve been right here.” Even though her voice was a perfect monotone, she could still hear the edge of disgust rimming her words.

Ice shimmered in his leer. “That doesn’t mean you’ve been present, does it? I haven’t seen you on runs or at meals.”

Jane cocked an eyebrow at him. “So, you’re here because you missed me?”

The corner of his lip raised in what she could only guess was mock amusement. It certainly wasn’t what anyone in the world would consider a smile.

“Maybe. But I also think it’s important for you to know what’s going on. And what will come next.”

Jane frowned and crossed her arms, preparing herself for whatever bullshit Ian was about to spew.

“Your father is losing control of the pack,” Ian said dispassionately. “His thirst for war is weakening the people’s devotion. It’s understandable. They don’t want their sons and daughters to die in a pointless war.”

“War was your idea!” The balls on this guy!

Ian waved her comment away like an annoying gnat. “Regardless, your father’s days are numbered. After he’s gone—one way or another—I will become alpha.”

It was almost as if he’d read her mind from earlier. She’d brushed away her thoughts, telling herself she was just being paranoid, but now he was here confirming her suspicions.

“You came to threaten me?” Jane spat.

“I’m not threatening you, Jane,” Ian said, his voice oozing with what he probably thought was charm. “I came to give you a choice.”

Jane glowered but remained silent.

“When your father dies at the hands of my followers, you can die alongside him and your mother or…”

A rage like none Jane had ever felt grew inside her. It was only matched by fear. Fear for herself, her parents, but most of all, her child.

“Or give up my baby and allow you to take me as your mate?”

Ian stood and brushed imaginary lint from his pants. When he finally met her gaze, the fear in Jane’s heart turned to horror.

“The baby won’t live either way, Jane. You can save yourself, though. There will be other pups. Pups born of a worthy father.”

“And exactly how do you expect me to answer?”

Ian chuckled. “Oh, I already know your answer. I’m proving what a generous alpha I’ll be by giving you one last chance to change your mind.”

Ian left her standing there, mouth gaping in shock, and slammed the door on his way out. Her wolf strained to be set free so she could tear the little asshole to shreds, but she remained frozen in place, completely paralyzed.

Ian wasn’t wrong. Her father was losing control of the pack, not to mention his mind. If she told him about Ian’s threat… He’d never believe her, of all people.

Jane’s worst fears had been confirmed by the very man she feared the most. This was no longer her pack, and if she was honest with herself, it hadn’t been for a very long time. There was only one thing she could do—run. Run far and fast to somewhere her baby would be safe. She had to escape, the only question was where to go.

Except, there really was no question. She had to find Reese. Somehow. She knew in her gut that he’d protect her and their pup. The real question was if he would also protect her family. As determined as she was to save her child, she couldn’t just leave her parents to die at the hands of that foul piece of shit. She would need Reese’s help. But the last time she’d seen him, he hadn’t looked to be in a forgiving mood.