Page 28 (1/2)

Prologue

Bella

Staring out the living roomat the ice-covered lake and the white snow that blankets the ground, I can’t help the s over my face It’s Christmas time, my favorite time of year To top it all off, my sister will be home in three days

Alba has been away at college since August I iven a full ride to Montana State University in Boze up excuses as to why she can’t come visit I can’t help but wonder if she’s okay, but Alba quickly squashes any doubts, telling nments

Sofia has been thriving She started her junior year of high school at the end of August and has uys in the club have becoo to the movies with her friends without at least one of the prospects watching over her I don’t think sheshe has a dozen big brothers looking out for her

I’ve been busy decorating the house Logan took et a tree, only to come home with a truck load of decorations He didn’t understand the nitude of how seriously I take Christmas While in the checkout line he asked, "Babe, do you really need all this shit?"

I turned and gave hih, he did draw the line when he sawboxes of decorations into the clubhouse

"Hell fuckin’ no, Bella I love you, babe, but the brothers will never let me live that shit down"

The next night Logan and I decided to go to the clubhouse and have a few drinks with the guys I’ to all the endless banter when the door opens Looking over I’m shocked when I see my sister She wasn’t due to arrive for two more days

"Alba!" I screech Leaping off Logan’s lap, ignoring the groan that leaves his ot up

Running up to her, my steps falter a bit when I take in her red, blotchy, tear-stained face

"Alba, what’s wrong?" I question picking up rab a hold of her, pulling her in for a hug

Her tre back a bit, while keeping a hold of her shoulders, I plead with her again, "TellAre you okay?"

Feeling a loolance overthere

"Cariño Sweetheart?" he tenderly addresses her

I watch as Alba’s face goes deathly pale, and she begins to pull her heavy winter coat tighter around her body So is off I just can’t place it I let n of anything wrong, but I find nothing

It takesout a sasp, I cover my mouth

"What the fuck!" Gabriel growls

Chapter One

Alba

Seven months earlier

The party o We decided to sleep here at the clubhouse instead of going hohtstand for the past hour I’ve tried everything to gettelevision, even taking a long bath, but so far nothing has worked