When I walk downstairs, Phoenix is hanging up the phone. It strikes me how much I''ve changed when I realize I have no curiosity, no spark to ask who he was talking to.

    I don''t care.@@@@

    It''s either related to me in a way that isn''t going to be pleasant, or it will have nothing to do with me. That''s it. Those are the two options.

    I have no urge to grow closer to the asshole who shares my genetics, so I don''t ask.

    Instead, I plan.

    I won''t be able to escape right away. I''m not even sure how I can escape. I have no money, no phone, no contact with the outside world. But now that I''ve been out there? Now that I''ve been on my own?

    It doesn''t seem as impossible as it did when I lived here.

    If I just have a chance, I''ll take it.

    "Some of the guys will be coming by to watch over you," Phoenix announces, coming by to sniff at me. "Don''t start anything. There''s plenty in the fridge, so just make something for dinner. Don''t forget that Alpha Renard is coming."

    Hah. So not only have I been dragged home, now I have to make them dinner?

    No, thank you.

    I ignore Phoenix to plop down on the worn couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial scent of clean linen. A scent I''ve grown to despise over the years.

    Phoenix lingers nearby, his frown deepening as I lazily flip through channels. I can feel the weight of his gaze, disapproval radiating off him in waves. He''s struggling, I can tell. Part of him wants to chew me out like the disappointment I am. The other part is trying to play nice, to lull me into a false sense of security for whatever twisted game he''s playing.

    "Don''t worry, princess," he drawls, taking a step closer. "We''re just here to make sure you don''t try to run off again. Can''t have our alpha''s prize getting loose, now can we?"

    Phoenix shifts his stance, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "That''s enough, Mason. I mean it."

    But Mason doesn''t seem fazed. He holds my stare for a beat longer, his eyes glittering with dark promise, before finally turning away with a scoff.

    "Yeah, yeah. I got it." He jerks his head at the others. "Let''s get settled, boys. Looks like we''re in for a fun night of babysitting."

    They spread out through the living room, claiming spots on the armchairs and couch like they own the place. I curl my legs beneath me, pressing back against the cushions as if I can somehow disappear into them.

    Todd, of course, takes the couch. He''s on the far side of it, but only a cushion separates us, and his arm is relaxed on the back of it, his fingers close enough to brush against my hair.

    Phoenix shoots me one last look—a silent warning to behave—before heading out the front door. As soon as he''s out of sight, Mason''s eyes find me again, that same cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

    I take a shaky breath, wrapping my arms around myself. This was exactly what I was afraid of—being trapped here, surrounded by people who want to use me, to hurt me. My only solace is the knowledge that Selene is safe.

    I just have to endure this, for now.

    "Aren''t you supposed to be making dinner?" Todd asks, and I point at the TV, trying my best to ignore how his fingers lightly graze over my shoulder. I can''t shift any further away.

    "I''m watching this," I say, leaving it at that.

    I can see the shifters all glancing at each other, and the faint puzzled look that flashes across Todd''s face.

    They''re not used to me being this way.

    It feels good.