A'S

e manor at noon. The sun is high,

ally a mask of calm authority, is tight wit

ge to it-the tone just shy of a full Alpha's Command. It's a force that weaker wolves cannot resist, a

e flat. "We were discussing ancient texts

miniature version of Kaelen's, is twisted with disgust. "You s

kers. "Caelus, that's en

before turning and st

a look of deep, practiced affection. "He's just a c

re herbs and magical oils. The room is filled with them-gifts for my "Return

dden Forests, fought a Chimera to get the Sunpetal flower you see there. See this s

the herbs. It's open, revealing a pair of moonstone earrings. They are beauti

t for me," I say, my voi

eyes follow my gaze to the box. A flash

I cut him off. "Get

his pocket, his jaw tight. To distract me,

ce regaining its gentle cadence. "A year ag

ha's gift to his Luna, symbolizing eternal fidelity. The sapphire glitters, but I'm not looking at the stone. I'm look

ly, Kaelen?" I ask, my

the question. "Of course, you are. You are

urgent." The voice of a pack warrior, panick

tween him and his warrior. But the bond between fated mates, even one t

ding my eyes. "Pack business.

turn my head. His lips brush m

I walk through the silent house, out the back door, and to

g embers. I watch as the flames lick at the silver, the beautiful

-