Ethan's POV:
The report sits on my desk.
Subject: Emma Reid；Status: Returned home safely；Social Status: Ostracized.
My jaw clenches.
'Ostracized.'
She survived. Escaped. And they punish her for it.
'Our mate suffers.' Theron's voice rumbles through my mind. Dark. Furious. 'While we do nothing.'
"We're doing what we must."
'They reject her. Her own family. Her own pack.' His rage bleeds into mine. 'Let me out. Let me show them what happens when they discard what's ours—'
"No."
'Why?' The word is a snarl. 'Why do we wait? Why do we let her endure this alone?'
"Because revealing the bond now puts her in more danger." I force the words out. "Father and Maria would use her. Hurt her. Kill her to control us."
'Then kill them first.'
The suggestion is tempting. Too tempting.
"Soon."
