anna

of a coma patient's confusion, only cold assessment and absolute lucidity. The scent

this was a battle of performances. I had to

of... rapture? I stumbled back a step, my lips trembl

ve screamed. But my character was a "naive, foolish, but kind"

r of surprise. My reaction

act of rushing to share the "good news." "Oh my goddess

rful hand clamped around my wrist. His movement was lightn

ol skin. I could feel the calluses on hi

h the timbre of disuse, soun

k of "confusion" and "fear." "Wh-why?

s waist revealing a hard, muscular chest. He stared at me, his

werful ally, and my research indicated that the Sinclair Pack's Elder Patriarch,

posture I could manage. "I... I'm Vivianna Mon

the rhythmic tap of a cane echoed from t

uid motion, he was lying down, eyes closed, bac

in the country was playing dead in his own bed. If he's going to these lengths to hide his recovery, he must have enemies close to home. A hi

ed but vigorous old man. Alistair. Beh

er Alistair, I apologize for the disruption," Carol said, her tone smooth but dripping with condescension. "It appears Miss Mo

subtly angled my arm, allowing the sleeve to slip down just enough to reveal the

he bruised wrist to Carol's cold, superior face. He let out a low grunt of di

ak of the Alpha King's bride with such blatant disrespect in his own chambers is unacceptable." The El

a second, her jaw tightening, but she didn't dare

ed as it fell on me. "

terly lost. "I'm fine, Elder. I just...

th him" clearly pleased the tr

rrying our Kaelen is both an honor and a heavy burden." His wor

Hayes and inform him that Vivianna is a Sinclair now. She is Kaelen's w

state, her parting glance cold and cal

settled. Provide her with anything she needs. From th

ough me. It was the address for

a good child. Take care of Kaelen.

of genuine deference. She showed me around, informi

secure in the Sinclair Estate w

n Kaelen's room, I could feel that burning

e side of his bed, my posture straight, my eyes

laying dead," I said softly, a faint, knowing smile touching