Chapter 79

• A hard knot in Cielo's stomach told her exactly why Damian had been there. He had been there for her that night. If Jenny hadn't poisoned herself, Cielo would have been asleep in her room. Yes, it would have been guarded, but not nearly as secure as the single female she-wolves. Likely something he wouldn't have even cased out. She wasn't supposed to make it to the Claiming Ceremony. He didn't want to risk her being marked by another, but he couldn't risk revealing himself. That's why he was there that night. He was going to mark her as she slept. If he wasn't willing to show himself, part of his plan wasn't ready. The timing of the Claiming Ceremony, and Cain marking her, might have forced his hand before he was ready.
• "Cielo," Leroy began, placing a hand on her shoulder, "perhaps it's best if you wait outside."
• She looked over her shoulder to see what had caused the shift in his tone. She tilted her head when she noticed the phone in his hand. "What is it?"