FATE'S SECOND CALL

ER TH

IN THE

lf-empty cup of coffee in front of her. Her mind was a tangled mess of fear, determination, and

plan, and now she had a child to think about. Her rejection from Damien had alre

idn't look up. The figure who entered paused just inside, scan

ooth across the room, his position giving him a clear view of Elena. She didn't notice his presence

-

er warm smile drawing El

ill, hon?"

e rich scent of coffee wafting up at her. "Uh

the steaming liquid into th

e how much to share. "

re mind their business," the woman said with a wink. "Bu

" Elena said, offe

indow. The early morning sunlight bathed the street in gold, its warmt

g her every move. His phone buzzed against the table, and he glanced a

rmed. Proceed

ack into his pocket. His eyes returned to Elena, narro

-

meals. Elena paid for her coffee and left a generous tip, despite her meager savings. Sh

eded a

The pack had been her only home, and now it was gone. As much as she wanted to r

ed her stomach, a silent promis

e me,

e with the man from the diner. His features were sharper in the daylight-pie

utiously, her wolf

e said, holding out a

dn't remember dropping anything. Taking the pap

ss her face as she looke

he grabbed her arm, his g

e said in a low voice.

bristled at the threat. She yanked

have anything to say to you," she snapp

dable. "You're making this harder th

her protective instincts flaring. "Stay away from me," she wa

his hands in surrender. "Fine. I'll back off for now.

he mention of her name.

en said, "The pa

ppear into the crowd that had begun to gather along the

iliar scent toward her-one she hadn't expected to encount