rm step. Closing the door softly behind her, she took a seat and look

aid quietly, "These are the guests to attend our ceremony. Learn their names and backgrounds." His voice harden

list on her nightstand. When she finally asked,

we'll begin choosing your wedding gown and finalize arrangements. I'l

at the mention of the gown

with you each step

er floor. Portraits lined the walls-strong-jawed ancesto

d Rowe, Magnus's father. He was the longest-reigning Alpha here

ds noble. A generous leader. Di

He's much like his father-thoug

offense. I just... wondered if

No offense taken. Magnus end

ents died when he was ten, and

planned to seize leadership. When young Magnus discovered the truth, his uncle paid t

et... you said he's not exa

surprise in his plans-your presence off-balance. As long as you do

ened. "Thank you.

through town. Everywhere they went, people cam

na? The King chose wel

," others said

oised-an Alpha's

oduced herself warmly. A tiny girl

d. Elara knelt, admiring her braids. "And

beamed w

eyes stood beside he

y, "When you bear the Alpha's he

fe-smiled. Elara blushed at the imp

truly happen. She was, above all else, a contract wife. A seasonal queen wi

ll of you today... I've never felt so welcomed.

t, she hurried up the stairs. Suddenly, the hush was broken by quick, h

her: powerful, authorit

ithout thinking, she

chamber, hand outstretched

nowledge y

ead in a respectful bow. "Alpha Magnus-my apologies. I did

ut it?" he asked

ords. Finally: "I... I had a day full of joy today. Your pe

owed. Then he asked, firmly: "So is th

l I ever hoped for was to come of age, find

le

l air pinching the

step closer, "proximity doesn't equal a

ly welcome. The pack di

reaching her doorway

wife. Nothing more,

ming. Sleep in the bed-off the floor. If

e added quietly. "Don't

e night air. She held her

," he

asked: "Back t

nd left, his footsteps e

-

tried to focus on the lock-anything to steady

d passed in tossing and failing to sleep. This time? She

her eyes. The night sky showed no signs

ntle gaze passing over her. The night air was scented with pine and spice. Then the scene shi

for you.

s. She stared at the ceiling. Then she realized-w

d. She scrambled

ge-it connected her room to Magnus's cham

y-rippled through her: "T