her

and empty without his presence. I was a strange mix of emotions: the dizzying relief of

and slid the heavy brass bolt into place

I looked at the neat white bandage on my arm. It felt like a brand

agile. That w

d. It was personal, not political. And as the Alpha, his life was overwhelmingly poli

ent, coupled with my fear of Jonah, had created a chasm between us, isolating me and making me vulnerable. It

this

his strongest ally,

ction. The girl in the mirror still looked frightened

adership. A statement that couldn't be ignored or dismissed. My support

on the desk. It was a direct line to the key locat

s wise? He was heading into a fight. Th

s was reinforcement. This was me s

button for the

gruff, unfamiliar male

ice clearer and stronger than I expec

the surprise. The Alpha's new, reclusive bride, ca

ound, I could hear the whip of wind and the clipped shouts of other wolves. "Esther? Wha

I said quickly. "I just... I

relief, quickly followed

r, the other high-ranking pack members-Betas, Gamm

or the union between my family and the Fitzpatrick pack. I will uphold

ration broadcast directly into

thought the connection had been cut. I could hear nothing but the faint crackle of

ice was flat, devoid of a

he significance of my words. Just

dded, his tone clipped. "

ne wen

hoing in the emptiness of the room. I had hoped for something mo

. He was an Alpha on the brink of a battle. He coul

a dismissal. It was a form of protection. He was shieldi

perimeter command post, Archer had lowered his communi

h slightly agape. He had never, in all his years of service, s

Esther's words had been more than a promise. They were a strategic move, a pledge of loyalty that resonated far deeper