Preston Hale’s expression hardened, his amber eyes narrowing as he gripped the physician’s collar. "Watch your tongue, Healer. Do you understand the price of bearing false witness to the Alpha of the Silver Ridge?"

Dr. Mercer trembled, the scent of fear rolling off him in waves. "I understand the law. I tried to reach the Alpha sun-cycles ago when the blood-scent first confirmed it. He was... unavailable, locked in the war-den. I realized I could no longer let this secret rot while the Luna is in exile."

The healer added, his voice regaining a desperate stability, "If I am found to be lying about the Luna carrying a Montgomery heir,...