NO

but it felt almost like the Moon Goddess was on my side when the pack guard informed me that Kieran was going to extend his

r even leave the pack house... It's almost like I'm under house arrest because

, I left it untouched a

t have a bloody choice," Alpha Marcus's v

the

right to the enemy's den... I mean... don't you think their spirit would haunt you... How would you feel

he pain vibrates

ng to prove that my safety, my comfort, my traum

place where he's given me advice abou

parents hanging near his desk a portrait commissioned after their deaths to honor their service. My mother's kind e

did a week ago, and there are deep lines around his eyes. Part of me regi

e, I wouldn't ask this

hands up. "Because this isn't a choice, Alpha.

diplomatic cadence I've heard him use in countless pack meetings. "Kieran's been consolidating power, building

a commodity?" I laugh bitterly. "Wo

ot like

e from where I'm standing, it looks exactly like that. You're using my mate bond to secure

pack. He's promised to help us fortify our borders, to establish trade agreements with othe

e price

is voice now. "Nova, you're wolfless. By pack law, you have limited standing. But as Luna

inish. "Stop dressing it up, Alpha. Just say it plainly. You're afraid of Kie

that follows

spent the last three days with Kieran Blackwood in my territory, and every instinct I have screams that he could destr

rs across from his desk, suddenl

y to turn someone who could be our greatest enemy into our greatest ally. And yes, I know how that sounds. I know how unfai

If I reject the

s, choosing his words carefully. "I suspect he won't take rejection well. From what

be taken anyway

constant danger," Al

someone who accepts the word no. He seems like someone who

tly. "You could have told him that the m

agreement. There are terms. You go to him as his mate, as a willing participant in the alliance, a

is worth t

aze, the impossible choices, the sacrifices he's made to keep this pack alive. "And yes, I'm asking you to trust that. I'm asking

ong?"

ha

Is there an expiration date on t

er immediately, and that

wants," I say, and