filled, she realized something odd-eating felt like work. An actual chore. The women around her kept urging her to eat more, piling her plate high with more delicacies, smiling as if they were

ped ease the tension in her sh

built like walls of solid muscle. Some were smaller than Dean, but a few, surprisingly, were even more physically imposing. Every movement they made was sharp, disciplined, and purposeful. Becca couldn't h

within her mind, her voice sounding smug and cheerfu

hing, Malia. Don't forget why we'

just claim him as ours. He's w

ing nonsense," she snapped, irrita

er mind could catch up. Every inch of her stiffened, remembering the touch, the heat, the way he'd handled her la

le, eyes cool and detached.

d where the warriors continued sparring. "Good," he said plainly

ess idea sparked in her mind-and she leaned into it. "Indeed," she said with a small

The way he looked at her made her stomach twist. His gaze darkened with so

id, his voice low an

lse caught her attention-another man, tall and charming, who had been standing behind Dean

our Alpha. It's a pleasure to make

make Dean growl audibly. The tension was thick, and she could feel the jeal

unced casually. "I can't k

ring-his clothes. Something flickered in his eyes, and for a moment, she thought he m

lower now, "it's not a bad

t awkward, backhanded one she'd ever received. Becc

, this time sounding more commanding, as

ay, send a designer to her room

ad again, acknow

but ask, "Why not

dable as he stepped closer. He leaned down, lowe

e. "And why are you so free? Shouldn't you be atten

could have heard them. But the stunned expression on her face said it all-Dean Luc

-

he Bright

massaging his temples as the voices of the minis

consider shifting toward agriculture-our lands

neral resources alone kept the pack thriving. But now, the mines were almost dry, and trade with neighb

cc

ppearances, Becca had been thoughtful, careful with what was given to her. She appreciated the sm

l eyes the day she discovered his betrayal still haunted him. She had known. And the l

other sister, even after being tied to Becca by fate. And when Bianca came to him in tears, cryi

che throbbed

We'll reconvene next week,

gave him a scathing look-a quie

ed up at him from the picture. He clenched his teeth and slowly reached out to caress her image. To him, the Becca

es shut, trying to remember the sound

open. Bianca entered, striding over to

she chirped, her voi

aph back into the drawer and st

Bi

" she announce

l from his face. Col

sharp. "Whos