Gunnar’s POV

I clenched my fists as I faced him, keeping my anger under control because reacting too quickly would only give him what he wanted.

“Riley cannot be your mate,” I said, my voice steady and clear. “That bond you’re talking about was forced. It was created, not given. It isn’t real.”

Emberkin didn’t interrupt. He just watched me, his expression calm in a way that made it clear he didn’t take my words seriously.

“The only true mates she has are me and my brothers,” I continued. “That is not something you can take or change. It was decided by fate and by the Moon Goddess herself.”

At...