ward the guest chamber where Amanda had been placed. Rumors spread faster than fire: that the Alpha had brought in a strang

the glass. She had not left the chamber since the scene in the council hall. Her heart still thundered at the me

on her. She could feel their suspicion, their doubt, their judgment. She was an o

door. She tensed. When the door opened, it was

hair was a shade lighter, more golden than dark. His eyes were a deep forest green, piercing and steady.

you," he said, his voice

he resemblance was undeniabl

say that. Younger by two years, t

ing about Ethan, something that made her shoulders relax despite herself. U

ng a respectful distance. "Word travels

ng in her chest. "They must think I have ruine

ou did not ruin anything. Do no

mth stir inside her. No one had ever spoken to he

hat means you are important, whether the council sees it ye

een in the council chamber still haunted her. "I never asked for this," she whispered

He had seen many women before, had laughed with them, even shared their company, but none had sti

t, his heart began to lean toward her

ing his face in silver. His wolf paced inside him, restless, demanding he

d himself to

h Angela to secure the pack's future. Others had seen the truth in his fai

was not alwa

urrender quietly. Angela's rage had been written across her face, and her paren

there wa

tness in his eyes, the ease of his words that Amanda seemed to respond to. I

is brother. Blo

him. How could he protect Amanda from the Sebastians, fr

clear as the moon. By claimi

that would

resence was fire, scorching and consuming, his gaze enough to make her hear

, her gratitude and growing comfort with Ethan

ough the garden to clear her m

said gently. "There are still ma

ing into the faintest smile. "And ye

o not. Because I know what I see when I look at you. Strength.

he turned away, unsure how to respond. Her heart pulle

ouch. His restraint was almost more dangerous than

ve, Andrew watched, his jaw tight,

rm was