CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY TWO – THE UNITY OF THE PACK

Florian materialized beside her as soon as she turned a corner. "You did well," he murmured. "But they're suspicious. We need to get back and warn the others." They made their way quickly back to the estate, relaying what they had learned to Sorin and the others. Plans were made, strategies devised. As night fell, the pack prepared for a confrontation. Cassie found Elena in one of the estate's hidden rooms, Maxwell standing guard outside. The older woman's face was pale but determined. "Elena," Cassie said, embracing her friend. "Are you okay?" Elena managed a small smile. "I've been better. But I'm not afraid. I've run from Karl once before. I won't do it again." Cassie squeezed her hand. "You won't have to. We're going to protect you." As Cassie turned to leave, Elena called out to her. "Cassie... thank you. For everything." Cassie nodded, feeling a lump in her throat. "That's what family does." The confrontation came sooner than expected. Karl's men, growing impatient, decid