Sorin
Instead of one seat at the end of the table, there were two. My Luna’s place within our pack was crucial. As much as I’d wanted to remain buried inside her, knot deep, pack business for my people came first—it was essential for our peace and security.
Talon smirked as he took his seat at the table. He set the box down, tapping it once with his hand before rubbing the top idly, like he had all the time in the world to enjoy it.
I didn’t need to look at Aliana. I felt her rage and indignation rising through our bond. Nurturing that bond’s strength was a delicate process, one that required both our focus.
I lifted my pen and fired it at Talon.
Aliana giggled as it struck his cheek before skidding off the table.
I smiled as Talon rubbed his cheek, but he released the box while the others shook their heads at him. Aliana reached beneath the table and rested her hand on my thigh.
“First order of business. Rory McClellan is refusing to let his parents visit his pups. An anonymous report was filed by an onlooker—he was seen in his yard, striking the youngest child.”
Aliana gasped and turned to me. I found her hand and squeezed it.
“Observe for now, and trust me,” I whispered, feeling her pain for the pup radiate through the bond.
“He’s a repeat offender, Alpha. We tried rehabilitation through therapy. The mate bond has weakened substantially.”
“Has Hailey made a statement?” I asked.
Jarin glanced at the paperwork before answering.
“She would like to reject their bond.”
“Granted. His drinking and prior conduct are not conducive to our values. The pups remain with her, effective immediately—full custody, no visitation for him unless she petitions otherwise. Ensure she has proper access to the community fund, and inform all four grandparents they may see the children as they wish. Mark Rory McClellan for exile. Next.”
Aliana’s grip loosened on my thigh as she relaxed.
Everyone groaned when the next case turned out to be the two old coots warring over vegetable-patch sabotage. Ten years hadn’t resolved their feud, and they were both too old to exile.
There weren’t many cases left before the session moved to my inner circle. Aliana stayed quiet throughout, but she watched everyone closely, and at some point she’d started compiling notes of her own.
I didn’t attempt to hide my smile. Her natural curiosity would draw her into her role without me having to utter a single word.
? ? ?
The six warriors who remained all waited for me to speak.
“Since our mating ceremony was cut short, I’d like to hold a smaller gathering to celebrate our union. This means inviting four of the main packs. Same security measures as before.”
I glanced at Aliana, who was trying to stifle a yawn.
“My Queen deserves recognition,” I said, before leaning in to whisper. “The night will end very differently this time.”
She smiled and leaned into me.
“Which four?” Rev asked.
“Moonscar, Wintercrest, Everpine, and Grimclaw.”
“Grimclaw?” Jax asked, frowning.
“Their conduct meets the bare minimum for our laws, which means we keep a closer eye on them. Diplomacy first, with the larger packs.”
I was about to suggest a date when Malakh began to sniff.
My lips parted as the scent hit me a second later—warm and rich and utterly unmistakable.
I shoved my chair back and hauled Aliana off hers, settling her onto my lap.
My arms clamped around her, some useless instinct to shield her from six fully grown warriors who’d just gone rigid at the same table.
Rev moved first. His chair went over backward, clattering against the floor.
“Out. Everyone out!” he bellowed, already halfway to standing.
The rest took one sniff and started shoving each other toward the door like the building was on fire.
Rev’s car keys skidded across the table—flung, not handed—before he bolted after the others.
“What’s happening?” my mate asked, blinking up at me, utterly clueless.
“Your heat is beginning,” I said, leaning in to breathe her in properly.
One night bonded to my Luna, and her heat had already awakened. Fertility and pups were practically guaranteed at this point.
All I had to do was get her home without my rut taking over.
“No,” Aliana screamed as I rushed her out.
I froze for a second.
She can’t reject us now, Malakh howled.
“The box,” she said, trying to pull free. “Get the box.”
I moved fast, scooping up the box before exiting the hall.
Malakh quieted.
I was already compiling a list in my mind for the coming heat.
? ? ?
Her brow furrowed as another cramp took hold of her, even in sleep. Six hours in, and she was burning up. I hadn’t accounted for the fact that Zira had come to her years late—her first heat was never going to be easy.
I placed the cool cloth over her forehead.
“You poisoned me, didn’t you?” she croaked, cracking one eye open. “Joke’s on you. I ate all the cakes.”
“You can have whatever you want, my love,” I said, pulling her in for skin-to-skin contact.
She pressed her face to my chest and inhaled.
The fresh burst of slick called to me.
All I could see was her.
Feel her.
Smell her.
Malakh’s growl erupted.
It was time.