I’d text her anyway—just to say hi. I didn’t think she’d answer, but reaching out wouldn’t hurt anything. At least I didn’t think it would.

“Thanks for understanding.” Dad grasped my shoulders, pushing me back just enough to brush a kiss on my forehead.

“Love you, Dad.”

He tapped me softly on the chin and turned, leaving the room without another word. Micah, Matt, and Miles followed him, but Max hung back.

I was by far closest with him, which was probably weird because he was nearly twenty years older than me. My youngest brother was only a few years my senior, but Max had always understood me the best. He gave me the freedom to be myself without any judgment.

He wrapped an arm around me. “That was an impressive maneuver. I’m not quite sure how you got out of my hold.” He squeezed me a little tighter before letting go.

“It’s best if you come to terms with reality now. I’m just flat out better than you.” I gave him my best grin.

“No. You cheated. I know you pulled power from Donovan.”

I shook my head. “Nope. All me.”

“I refuse to believe that.”

Laughing, I headed for my room. “Refuse all you want. Doesn’t change the fact that I beat you fair and square.”

“No… It just… I can’t…” He growled. “Tomorrow I’m calling in the rest of the pack. We’ll see who’s having a fun time after they’ve been at you for a day.”

I rolled my eyes, even if Max couldn’t see it. The rest of the pack had been too nervous about fighting me. If I got hurt, would the mighty Donovan come after them? The fact that there was even a question meant there was no way Max would get them to join in on their “training” session.

I lifted a hand, waving at him without turning around. “Looking forward to it.”

Maybe Donovan was right. Maybe I wasn’t giving myself a fair shot. If I could beat Max…

Plus, our bond was relatively powerful. I could already pull a decent amount of power from Donovan, and I wondered what we’d be able to do once we had our Full Moon Ceremony and completed our bond.

With someone as powerful as Donovan, anything was possible.

Chapter Two

Two things happened on the way to the mall. One totally expected. The other a complete yet welcome surprise.

My brothers annoyed the hell out of me.

Cosette texted back.

When I’d messaged her last night, I hadn’t expected to hear from her. Max and Micah would shit themselves if they found out I was planning to meet up with Cosette—especially after what Dad said—but she was my friend, and I needed some girl time. Desperately. And if Cosette was texting, something was up.

I had to ditch my brothers. As soon as we got to the mall, I headed to the one place that was guaranteed brother-repellant. Victoria’s Secret.