Raine's POV

The gardens were beautiful as expected, with moonlight splashing down, creating dramatic shadows and mysterious pathways. 

Alaric, Loki and I walked slowly together through the winding, perfectly manicured shrubbery. Initially, he held Loki's leash. But he handed it to me after several minutes when it became obvious to him that I was in no danger from the giant tiger.

I stroked my fingers through the thick tufts of hair on Loki's neck. 

"It really is quite remarkable how he seems to have taken to you," Alaric commented, still surprised. "Normally, he is the most vicious and dangerous one of the bunch. And definitely the unspoken leader. They all...