and the air was thick with the scent of expensive wine, rare perfumes, and suppressed predatory pheromones. Three years ago, I had been shivering in the mud of the northern crags, a broken pariah

ords, wondering who the strange, untouchable beauty was that commanded the room without saying a word. I didn't care

l I f

the murmurs of the elite. The sea of nobles parted automatically, bowing their head

raven. The

red dark coat fit broad shoulders, and his sharp, uncompromising jawline was framed by thick, dark hair. But i

with a sharp, electric jolt that made my breath hitch beneath my bodice. Alistair slowed his pace, his gaze narrowin

hallenge, holding my ground as he bypassed a local lord to dr

, and the crush of nobles momentarily surged betwe

ipped through the open glass doors out onto the high stone balcony. The cool night a

of wolves as if you are t

y. My muscles tensed, but I did not turn around until Alistair stepped o

ing. Alistair leaned against the balustrade, folding his hand

his voice dropping to a low, dangerous register as he studied me. "You,

y expression remained an unreadable mask. "P

k, calculating intensity. He stepped closer, the heat of his body radiating against the chi

dropping briefly to my lips before rising back to meet my eyes. "Espe

ween us to its breaking point before leaning in j

perate, compulsive edge. "I am offering you calculated partnership and royal sanctuary within these walls not out of charity, but because my royal bloodli