Gareth’s heartbeat quickens; I can hear it even from this distance. “Of course, Your Highness. But first, allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Harper. She’s...well, she’s our most skilled healer. The strongest female in our pack, actually.”

A young woman steps forward, her golden hair catching the afternoon light. She is undeniably beautiful in that soft, innocent way that some males find appealing. Her blue eyes are shy but intelligent, and she curtseys gracefully.

“Your Highness,” she says, her voice melodious. “It is an honor to meet you.”

I study her for a moment, noting the way she blushes under my gaze, the way her father watches our...