At that moment, through the heavy iron-reinforced door of the Second Sanctum, Grant’s intended mate caught a glimpse of him exiting the Apex Suite. Her claws flexed, digging into her palms in silent fury. Her eyes burned with a predatory yellow glint, and her voice dropped to a lethal chill.

“I knew it. Grant bypassed my chamber specifically because he was shielding that stray in the high seat.”

She turned to her steward, her upper lip curling. “Have you tracked down the scavenger I commanded you to find?”

The steward gave a stiff, subservient nod. “The scent is laid, Mistress. Everything is prepared. By the time the moon reaches its...