SAGE

I left a message for Isla before following Catel.

It was either that or risk having the girl tear through the entire quarters thinking I'd been abducted.

When I saw him waiting at the door, expression carved from granite, I knew whatever was brewing had gone beyond petty irritation. The Beta himself, Claire's brother had come to fetch me.

I should have been worried. Instead, my pulse fluttered in excitement.

"Lead the way, Beta," I said, falling into step beside him.

He didn't reply, of course. Men like Catel had no taste for conversation—or humor. His silence only made me want to ruffle his feathers.

"So," I began, glancing...