“No,” Scarlett pouted, playing to the crowd. “I want the territory to see how much my Alpha prizes me. Now.”

Hudson nodded slowly. “Then lead the way to the clearing.”

Scarlett led the guests to the backyard of the Stronghold, where a vast grassy plain met the forest edge. Meanwhile, Hudson signaled Preston Hale with a swift pulse of his communication crystal.

In the crowd, Harper Bennett and Sadie Monroe were growing frantic.

“Avery is gone,” Harper whispered. “If we announce it now, Scarlett will make it look like she’s fled or is trysting with a rogue. We have to find her before the ritual starts.”

Sadie sighed, her eyes...