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PROLOGUE
Rain and tears mixed on her cheeks and dripped off Vivian’s chin as she stumbled her way through the forest, with only the nearby trees to hear her sobs.
She’d made a near fatal mistake today, one she’d thought would save her life, but it had brought only shame and pain.
Kissing Rafe had been pivotal for her, but it hadn’t shattered the Earth for him in the way she’d hoped it would. He’d eased away from her, wrapped his arm around her shoulders and faced off with the bullies who had been teasing him about being gay.
He’d admitted to their accusations and destroyed her pre-teen crush in one swoop.
It had been foolish to think one kiss would make him want to mate her, would make his desires change. While it had been embarrassing, it paled compared to what was waiting for her when she got home.
Her father had heard of what she’d done, and rather than demand Rafe mate with her to save her reputation, he’d gone on a rampage about her stupidity.
She’d read one too many Victorian novels and fairytales where men had honor and decorum, and even a smattering of respect for women.
Her father’s words rang out in her mind as she bumbled over dirt and tree roots in the dark.
“You fucking whore! How could you do this to me! What did you think would happen? That I’d be proud? He’s a faggot and you threw yourself at him!”
“And he rejected her,” her brother had added with an amused snort.
“Get out of my house until you’ve learned to show me the respect I deserve, or I swear to God the second you turn eighteen, I’ll mate you off to the first of my friends that asks for you.”
The remembered threat had her crying all over again. How was she to escape this life?
Her face burned from where her father had backhanded her. Her clothing clung to her from the pouring rain she’d been tossed out in. And misery consumed her soul.
The light from Rafe’s cabin came into view, like a warm beacon. He might not be thrilled when she turned up at his door, but she knew he wouldn’t leave her to the elements.
She drew closer, making out the shapes of the small building. Black trim enhanced small square wood panel siding. The tidy covered porch called to her, offering some shelter from the elements. Two plastic chairs were under the overhang, with a corn broom between them and the green front door. The porch light was on, giving her a bit of hope on this dismal night. Her shoes were wet, nearly making her slip on the wooden planks beneath her.
Drawing a fortifying breath, she raised her hand and knocked.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t Rafe who answered, but rather his best friend, Elliot. Hulking, giant six foot seven, Elliot.
Vivian took a step back, but Elliot took one look at her face and muttered, “Shit.”
Likely swollen, her face was probably turning a nasty shade of purple by now. She was about to ask for the homeowner when Elliot called into the house for Rafe.
Dark-haired, beautiful Rafe appeared. He sucked in a breath when he saw her. “Shit. Your dad do this because of what happened today?”
Nodding, she burst into another wave of tears.
He shut the door after her, and motioned for her to stand on the doormat and remove her shoes. Elliot rummaged for something in the kitchen freezer and returned with a bag of peas.
Taking the bag, she put it gently against her face, and glanced way up at him. “Thank you.”
The pity in his eyes was almost more than she could bear. People got out of the way when Elliot walked through a crowd, yet here he was, looming, staring down at her with compassion and worry.
Feeling like she needed to say something to ease his concern, she told him, “I’ll be okay. It’s not the first time. It’ll heal.”
His nostrils flared, and his jaw locked, and for a moment she was a little terrified, until he bent down and swept her off her feet. He strode through the cabin and deposited her on the bathroom’s threshold. “Rafe will get you something dry to wear.”
A few minutes later, she was standing in the bathroom in one of Rafe’s shirts. He was an eighteen-year-old wolf shifter; she was a twelve-year-old girl—the shirt swamped her, but it was warm and dry and smelled like Rafe.
She brought it to her nose and inhaled. Instantly, it brought her some measure of calm. She was safe here.
Placing the bag against her face once more, she ignored the mirror and turned toward the door, silently pulling it open.
