The elevator ride to Valtherion’s penthouse was silent.

His hand never left my lower back.

Possessive. Protective.

The touch burned through my shirt.

I should pull away.

I didn’t.

The doors opened directly into his apartment.

Floor-to-ceiling windows. City lights sprawling below.

Everything was steel, glass and expensive.

He guided me inside.

The door clicked shut behind us.

He turned.

"Aurelia Veythorne."

Not a question. A statement.

His voice was low. Controlled.

I heard the tension underneath.

I met his eyes. "Yes."

"The Aurelia Veythorne who couldn't shift at her Coming of Age."

"Yes."

"The one Darian Blackmere rejected in front of her entire pack."

My jaw clenched. "Yes."

Silence...