Chapter 31: Shades of Suspicion.

Chloe had believed she knew Liam so inside out—from the depths of his loyalty to the steadfastness of his love. Yet a casual run-in has opened Pandora's box of secrets that casts long shadows of doubt over everything she thought she knew. It all began with a covert conversation happening in the market square. Chloe was getting some supplies when her ears were struck by a hushed voice—the words cutting through the noise like a dagger. "Have you heard about this rogue wolf that has been terrorizing the countryside?" Her blood ran cold. Rogue wolves were dangerous, rare breeds of werewolves who had forsaken pack loyalties, almost always embracing their feral natures. If one were out in the open, no one would be safe. "It is said that it left its trail all bloody, with bodies in pieces, in such a savage way," another voice whispered in fear. Chloe shivered. Was that true, then, or was it the sort of speculation bound to follow in the wake of unexplained violence? She tried to dismiss