The world came back in pieces. Water dripping. The smell of diesel fuel. The distant rush of cars on a freeway. Someone sobbing softly.
“Please. Please just don’t hurt him. I’ll do anything. Just don’t hurt him.”
Footsteps. Then a sharp crack, the sound of flesh striking flesh, followed by a broken wail.
The metallic taste of fear flooded Abby’s mouth.
“You shouldn’t have lied to me to begin with,” a low, deep voice snarled. “You shouldn’t have convinced your friend to lie to me. You know how I feel about lying.”
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Another sob, ragged and desperate. “Just don’t hurt him. Please.”
“I won’t raise another wolf’s pup!”
Cold seeped into Abby’s bones. The ground beneath her was hard concrete, unforgiving. Her cheek was pressed to it, and she could feel every tiny
