ind sighing through the trees. Her
kin remembered the warmth of Luca's body, the way his hands had
was the
d fel
re
in her chest-not pain, exactly. Not desire, either. So
bo
strengt
pulling her
beneath her bare feet whispered secrets she hadn't uncovered. Portraits of ancestors-fierc
ared back, but something shimmered just beneath the surface. Not a beast.
e was
'd have t
ne was steeping tea made from forest herbs. She gave a kn
you saw L
t look up. "
ed an eyeb
issed h
u're falling."Selene looked at her
ot just choosing a man. You're choosi
e choose Caleb?" Rowan was quiet. "I would
not an
only one
ivate deliberation the following evening. Whispers trailed through the pack like smoke-some say
head, but everywhere she turned, eyes followed her. S
te the stir," came
ed to fi
sn't
rogance in their gaze. "We've decided," Caleb said. "We'll present our claim tomorro
f I re
etrayal," he said coolly. "
at him. "You'd
o protect my family's hono
ed like ice ag
sn't a
an ul
t, Luca c
ait outside
epped inside like he belonged there. Selene folded h
d. "You c
turned, his eyes drinking her in li
er the kiss," he said. "B
admitted.
hy
cause I don't know if I
closer, slow
ht it," he said. "You were m
arks danced across h
y is?" he whispered. Selene's br
his chest, placing h
e show
ed next was
sn't
n't a
s a b
passed skin and dove
rld di
ses hei
h synced
ries. The night his father died. The day he took the mantle of Alpha.
is eyes. A beacon of fire and light. She ga
." she w
"You're not just my mate, Selene. You
head. "But I
t have to be willing." Tears welled in her eyes
t if you refuse, I'll stand before the Elders with my cla
er than logic. He wrapped his arms around her, g
s no going back," he whispered. "No Elder, no council, no arrange
art th
tween them
steppe
the council with a clear heart. If I c
fierce prid
ait," h
n he wa
felt not only the pull of the bond-but the power of her own will against it. And in tha
nt