I've always connected with Ryan. He is brave, puts others' needs ahead of his own, is easy to talk to, and brings a ray of sunshine wherever he goes. He would be everything I want in a mate, if only he were older and I weren't… me. A monster. A killer. A beast.

Not long ago, I thought I'd gotten out, that I was free to be an alpha worthy of a mate—that we were all free. I was wrong. We're stuck and, when the opportunity comes for me to keep those I love out of it, I seize it. Taking over the dark side of our missions is easy. I'm the one without a family and a beast who can instill fear in all. It makes sense.

If only fate didn't pick this moment to show me what I dared not dream about: Ryan was mine.