ay Fo

evious night. The mate connections pulsed under her skin, demanding attention. She had passed nearl

ould confront Kael, Riven, and Talon in battle, determining if

to compel her into compliance. However, she refused t

r tent into the brisk morning air. The magic of the Blood Moon continued t

itions, was unsettlingly silent. Wolves that typically welcomed her wit

s continue

ds?" "It's n

all down?" "Or will

le for her to

ed to demonstrating her strength to be Alpha, yet now the

e them the pleasure o

nitia

the training grounds b

a

ng with mischief. He reclined nonchalantly against a tree, arms folded acr

olf," he said slowly, a knowi

d, causing an involuntary shiver to run thro

s. Predatory behavior. Computing. "You have three days to get ready for a battle aga

flickered. "I

er. The connection ignited between them, warmth caressi

partner, do you? His voice became deeper and

intain his gaze. "I am not

bit. "Then you should be

o reply, a different voice

the arrogance i

l, his demeanor was inscrutable, his green eyes conce

re tense. "Speak to me, Aeryn-do you t

n. "That's what the

ly. "And you fall perf

es. "Do you have a

ire this bond." His voice was strained, yet his wolf revealed his true feelings-the way his fists

urt his words inflicte

d his jaw. He

ugh. "He will not." "N

ion could break, a t

ve

es observing the situation. In contrast to the other t

dy at odds with one a

This way is mor

boast pointedly. "Did

negatively. "No, I arr

itted together.

end to battle three Alphas, Aeryn." "You possess

at the suggestion. "I'm capab

in." You're thinking like a fighter. However, this trial

nt a shiver

w. "You seem to be ho

ed onto hers. "I desire f

derstood-Riven was the so

ongside the

he isolated training area, preparing to battle R

each other. "You're approaching this as if it's just another c

dged, leveraging her momentum to unbalanc

o her, extending a ha

and got up. "I don't requi

. "What is it t

pa

over these annoying bonds. She required... to compr

ess. He moved nearer, his tone gentl

en why does it

s over her wrist. The touch ignited a wave of warmth within her

f us," he stated. "You just n

breath

as her

een one thing-to lead. To become

what ab

ions altere

ent that she was prep

w in th

Aeryn was un

t the moon. The wind screamed all around

nt, she felt

lo

t back, arms folded,

nt to refresh my memory on

thed out.

led. "Then

shimmered with a certain intensity. "Since... I don't desire this

n ga

his jaw. "And th

conflict within him. The conflict between d

ce to respond, he was a