ALPHA XAVIER POV

The noise from the outer city roused me up from bed. Valerian meant it when he specifically told me that I have been allowed myself to be mated to Isabel and as such she's now under my care and protection.

"You know that's not possible, I don't even know her well enough. This is a transactional marriage. It will be foolhardy to--"

I was still speaking when he interrupted. "Word is that you insisted on having her as a mate. If you want me to accept your apology, my terms is that you will accept Isabel as your mate, and keep her under your protection..." He trailed...