en

rewing storm. The crowd parted before me like the Red Sea, their murmur

n them. They were fixe

of her dress flared out, a violent splash of color against the mon

something that made her head

sm

ur miserable marriage. It was radiant, genuine, and blindingly bright. It transformed he

f pure, unadulterated fury. *She smi

ting in her room, begging the Moon Goddess for forgiveness. She was here, in

g as she clung to my arm. We reached the edge of the dance floor, the music s

nds in my soul. The mention of the child-the heir she had

I growled, my voic

r scent of vanilla and artificial sweetness trying to mask the rage rolling off me

loor. My hand splayed across her back, claiming her, but my

tated partners to show unity. I watched as Aline moved from Deric to an Elder, and then to a visiting

ing against my chest, her eyes following my line of sight. "It's as if

ling

ine. Even if I didn't want her, even if I rejected her, she was still *my* mate. Her smiles, her scent, her body-they

m across the floor when the music shifted a

ust through the speakers, but echoing in the *Mind-Link

ts cut through the di

, illuminating Aline. She froze, her hand still resting on Deric

ond bea

e air crackled with ozone and static electricit

la, the chosen pairs must dance. To ref

elf from her grip. My eyes met Aline's across the expanse of the floo

should b

toward her; I prowled. The crowd scrambled to get out of my way, leav

I was going to make sure she reme