som

ut of my uncle's house and away from my cruel family. I had often vowed to myself that I would seize any opportunity to be out from under my uncle's fist once I came of age.

n accepting me as the substitute mate for Dean. After some mumbling and a voting process that was far more formal than necessary, their recommendation is unanimously approved. It is now up to Dean to conf

ns silent. There is some awkward murmuring among t

..

son, throughout Alejandro's haughty presentation and the Royal Eld

e process. Still, he knew there would be consequences if he forced his son to blatantly disregard the court's decision. For one, his son is the alpha, their rightful leader. The rules of the

t the center of their werewolf universe, determining right from wrong, doling out punishment, and controlling a great deal of the wealth of the packs in the

be manipulated, he mused. Aries gazed at his son and marveled at Dean's ability to show no emotion. It was likely this particular trait, honed to perfection, tha

as surprised he didn't feel more sympathy toward his son's situation, but the feeling passed quickly. Dean had realized his destiny from a very young age, and Arie

more importantly, the kind of alpha he was born to be and not some vision that his father or anyone else might hold. To Dean, his father seemed

ng why his father was suddenly speaking at a time when only Dean should be responding, Dean retains his

stitute mate...or to refuse her," Aries pro

ed as well as some of the Royal elders themselves. At first, I feel the blood rise and my chee

tic toward the beautiful young woman before them. Exclamations of, "Such a beauty!" and "She is tantalizing, the perfect mate!" began to rise from am

he saying

offer their opinion. And, if my uncle doesn't release my arm, I swear I

this moment, and now it's becoming worse than I had ever imagined. Some might think I'm foolish, giving up