“You are not leaving Blackridge, Malia.”
I stared at her.
“What?”
The Blackridge Luna did not take back her words.
“But you said the meeting would decide,” I said.
“It has been decided.”
My heart dropped.
The elders who had been ready to let me leave were now silent.
“Why?” I asked. “You were the one who listened when I told you I wanted out.”
“I did listen.”
“Then why are you doing this?”
Her expression softened for only a second.
“Because this is bigger than what you want.”
I shook my head.
“No. It isn’t. This is my life.”
The Alpha leaned forward. “Luna, explain yourself.”
She turned toward him. “Malia cannot leave.”
“Why not?” one elder asked.
“Because Blackridge has waited too long for this union. Deucalion is finally mated. The pack has already accepted her as its
