The visual was unmistakable to the gathered pack members—this promotional chronicle for the Great University was merely a stage for Madison Clarke to exert her dominance and cast a shadow over Avery Monroe.

Hudson, standing like a stone monolith, did nothing to stop the posturing. It was clear he was content to let Madison’s ambition eclipse Avery’s heritage.

Turning to Avery with a shallow, honeyed smile, Madison proposed, “Since I lack the blood-memory for the sacred mending, I shall grace the sweeping panoramic scenes. For the tedious close-ups of the fingers, Avery, you may stand in as my double.”

The audacity caused Harper Bennett to inhale sharply, her inner wolf...