Chapter 20 · Nobody Cages Me Again

Derek's standing in the doorway. Smoke rolls in behind him, thick and chemical. My chest locks up.

Cain's on the floor. Silver burns are already crawling up his neck from where the volt dart hit. He's not moving.

Derek smiles. That smile. The one that used to make me apologize for things I didn't do.

"Baby," he says. Soft. Like I'm a spooked animal. "Let's go home."

I don't answer. Can't. My legs want to run. My wolf wants to rip his throat out. Both options end the same way—caged or dead.

He takes a step in. His boots crunch over broken glass. "You've been sick, Layla. I get it. But this?" He gestures at Cain. At the cabin walls covered in weapons. "This guy's dangerous. He's been filling your head with—"

"Shut up."

The words come out before I plan them. Derek stops. His smile tightens.

"Excuse me?"

I'm shaking. Claws trying to push through my fingertips. I curl my hands into fists. The bond mark on my wrist burns hot, pulling toward Cain.

"You don't get to do this," I say. My voice cracks but I keep going.