Page 131 of Moonlight & Mayhem

“It's more complicated,” Chrome insisted.

“Usually is,” Tempest said.

Chrome looked at Howler, and his Prez nodded at him. “Just tell them.”

Chrome leaned back in his seat and took a breath, letting it out. He knew how dramatic he sounded, but he didn’t care. “Holly Ridge was founded in 1887.”

Christmas frowned. “You remember the year?”

“Hard to forget when they carve it into every fucking building,” he growled.

“Why did they do that?” she asked.

“Tradition.” He practically spat the word. Moon watched him carefully. Chrome didn't like doctors watching him, especially ones who could see shit that hadn't happened yet.

“What kind of tradition?” Moon asked.

Chrome rubbed his jaw. “Holly Ridge believes wolves survive by staying together.”

Mayhem shrugged. “Most packs do.”

“Not like this,” he said.

Christmas's gaze sharpened. “How about you explain that to us?”

“If you're born there, you stay there,” he said.

“For how long?” Chris asked.

Chrome looked at her. “Forever.”

Tempest frowned. “What if someone wants to leave?”

“They don't—usually,” he said.

“What happens if they try?” Tempest asked.

Chrome didn't answer because he didn't need to. Christmas did it for him. “They're killed.”

He looked at her and nodded. “Sometimes.”

“And the other times?” Tempest asked.

Chrome's wolf growled. “They are brought back against their will.” Something changed in Christmas's expression. He wondered if she'd caught the part he hadn't said. He had left, and they hadn't brought him back. Not because they hadn't tried, but because he'd made sure the wolves sent after him failed.

Howler leaned forward. “You were born there.”

“Yes,” Chrome admitted.

“How old were you when you left?” Howler asked.

“Twenty-three,” Chrome said.

“And your brother?” Tempest asked.

Chrome looked down at the table. “He was older than me.”

“What was his name?” Tempest asked.