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