ALDRIC

The truth is, all this sentimentality irritates me. I only lower my guard with my woman, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel it for real.

“I’ll draft a manuscript for you to deliver to Beof. By now, he should be at the western borders. We need to meet, and on your way, find out the situation at the Vampire King’s castle,” we start planning.

Quinn’s eyes never leave the door; his mind is never truly focused on the conversation.

I understand him perfectly.

For a man of our kind, his mate is the most sacred thing. He’s just going to have a hard time with this one.

Even in her current state, Gabrielle is a tough bone to chew, and it remains to be seen whether the jackal will become my father-in-law or if I'll end up losing a guardian from my ranks.

*****

GABRIELLE

After talking to Valeria, I finally feel at peace.

I never thought I’d end up like this. Kael played me until the very last moment. I always underestimated him—that was my biggest mistake.

I sense a presence. Now that I’m