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Anyone they view as insubordinate or a threat ends up dead or on the run for the rest of their lives"

"Why did you come back here, then? Why risk it? Couldnʼt you find a place where you wouldnʼt have any other Packs to deal with?"

He cuppeda snowflake from my eyelashes "You knohy I cae as if it was trying to break free "The fried chicken they serve at The Farmhouse?"

"I ca clever So to make this moment perfect

"I hope the snow sticks"

That was not it

Alex laughed nervously Or, maybe it was my ears that were nervous Every other part ofto clear up soon," he said "Zero accumulation"

"Thatʼs a pretty cool super-power I didnʼt realize wolves were so in tune with the weather"

"Oh, did I forget to mention the olfʼs natural born ability to watch the Weather Channel?" For the record, Alexʼs dimples were clearly visible when he smirked "Itʼs our ?" he asked when I chose not to respond

"No," I lied I couldnʼt bring myself to look at hilittery white flakes tureenery wound around a high limb just seconds before Alex asked, "What is that?"

"What is what?" I could feel every nerve in my body buzz to life and hoped he hadnʼt noticea ball of weeds get reen stuff Is it"

"Phoradendron serotinum?"

"mistletoe?"

"Yes Mistletoe" It was only tords, but it took all et them out

"Are you sure?"

I nodded ht" Alex gently grabbedat hiation here" I just sat there like a statue, too nervous to breathe Alex leaned in slowly, pausing once our noses were in tickling distance "Iʼ to stop me"

I leaned in

His kiss was soft, tentative, and way too short for herly cohtheaded

"Hi," Alex said, his forehead resting against mine as his hands exploredhilad youʼre back" Chapter 11

The remainder ofI knew Jase had been rouchy and sullen Charlie spent a lot of time at our house, but I rarely saw him He and Jase spent most of their time locked in Jaseʼs room On more than one occasion I heard the undeniable sounds of a quiet arguhthe old hold-a-glass-to-the-wall routine, but never heard anything of interest