t on the surface. The estate, sprawling and intimidating, became more familiar with each passing day. Every h

. And a Luna had

orphanages, oversight of food and shelter allocation to struggling families on the outskirts of the pack lands. She held court with pack off

ddle her thumb

ond blade. Children adored her. Nurses smiled at her. Omegas whispered blessings b

uring one of the first pack council meeti

meone else said.

isits she made, how much good she tried to do, Mona returned ea

d requested her company. Mona, ever graceful, never refused. But the intimacy was shallow, always rushed. No fore

, always to "g

the hurt, like clockwork, ret

k pillows, clutching the w

her out of politeness, and walked away only to head to the first floor where his true mate

Mona woul

s of Beta John Hobbs and Gamma George Leroy swept int

sing a shimmery gold dress onto Mona's

SoHo," Angie added. "We ha

a northern pack, had found mates in the Beta and Gamma during a political s

d, actually laughed not while watching a silly romantic comedy. She tried on silk scarves, teased Lisa

isa said as they go

ntly. "You're b

isa whispered, "I want to tell he

ed. "We're no

ed. "If you were in her place, wou

down. "Of cou

ybe... t

ery region in attendance. Mona's dress was silk gold with a modest neckline and a dramatic sli

grace

eone murmured. "Sh

s pow

his Lun

orge Leroy sat nearby with their wives. Conversation was lively art, fashion, AI development

they remind me of a mysterious artist

ed. "Inte

d her. "Eve

le. In

"I think you'

t sipped

d course, sh

ht back," sh

s hushed and gleaming. Gold sconces

corner, she nearly

triking in a black suit, no tie. Dark eyes, brooding.

y, brushing his

her like a

a

fr

did

eyes met hers ca

d. "Forgive me. I d

wolf stirred violently,

lright. And

ck," he said, his voice like silk-wra

f silenc

" she w

e politely. "Yo

till stunned.

one more moment lon

past her, his s

in the hall, sh

t yet und

she

the real st