d was not what

place dominated one wall, the flames casting dancing shadows across a Persian rug worn soft with age. Scattered across the room were artifacts from a dozen different eras-an anc

o had lived too long to care about matching furniture, and

one leg over the other with the easy grace of a man who had never

it

a s

folded in her lap. She kept her gaze

aised her

efully, "I want to break a b

studie

enough for doubt to creep back into her chest. Long

k, swirling the li

should I

pared for this. Expected this. No

m a Sterling

l. Your bloodline, while respectable, is not unique. And your personal assets-" He took a sl

landed lik

d in her lap. Her nai

did no

ajesty, you are missi

yes glint

the one who has kept Sterling Industries-Vale Industries-running for the past three years. The patents filed since

tly, letting her convict

work. If I walk away and take my expertise with me, the

t down h

, weighing, dissecting. Mira held his gaze and praye

he

"But clever words

stomach

mises, Mira Sterling. Potential." He leaned forward, and the weight of his presence pressed down on her like a p

rackled be

mind

she s

Your next words will determine wh

ch toward her like grasping fingers. Mira could feel the blood vow pulsi

oes a king want that

breath and

other's. Once I am free, I will serve your int

ed at her

his head bac

I am already king of every wolf in this w

cheeks

ned fo

f his jaw, the silver-white hair that fell across his brow like moonlight on snow. His e

ached

p. His touch was warm-impossibly warm-and Mira felt som

ite

ing softly, pressing against her ribs l

breath

e man bound to her by blood and vow and three years of marriage.

was h

e. His voice dropped to something low and dark, t

murmured. "Here. Now. On your kn

slammed aga

screaming at her to lean into that touch, to close the dist

her

was sti

the truth beneath. There was no hunger there.

was a

like a desperate thing begging

from his grasp-not flinchin

iet but steady, "you could have any woman in the wor

n't fade. If anyt

eyes seemed to

back into his seat. "Because pretty words and fut

ightened

th to reclaim my parents' assets from Adrian Vale's control. One month to

ld his

y inheritance, and my reputation restored. And then we will discus

rackled be

ent. His gold-silver eyes searched her fac

id not

he sm

from before. It was something warm

spreading his arms along the back of the sofa, and the weight of his dom

red-but she kept

sever your blood vow m

if I

smile tu

ond chances." He picked up his glass and took a slow sip, his eyes never leaving

ed his

behind her

She inclined her head-low enough for respect, h

reshold,

thout turning around. "I am

d through

ind her with a

in the firelight, King E

t. 'I don't bel