That day, after Fenris had thrown my father out of the Ashclaw Den, my father collapsed from the shock and couldn't get out of bed. His wolf retreated deep inside him and refused to surface, and the Thornheart name became the laughingstock of the entire Central Territory.
The very next morning, emissaries from the Ironveil Packhouse arrived bearing this amulet and formal mating gifts.
They said the Alpha Prince had taken a liking to me and would soon come to claim me as his bonded mate.
For my father's sake, and for the Thornheart bloodline's name, I gritted my teeth and agreed.
But Fenris was convinced I'd stolen it.
"I've seen this amulet on the Alpha Prince himself. He said it was a token for his future mate. How could it possibly be in your hands?"
"Tell me. How did you get it?"
Vessa turned to me with a look of open disapproval.
"Miss Thornheart, I thought you were merely vain. I never imagined you'd be reckless enough to steal from the Ironveil bloodline. That's a death sentence under pack law."
"Even if I wanted to help you, there's nothing I could do."
"Why are you still wasting your breath on her? She's committed a crime this serious. I'd like to see who's going to save her now."