Andreas POV

The room is silent as Lyra gapes at the Mating Panel in shock.

"You have to be kidding," Andreas interjects after neither speaks for a few minutes.

"No, we wouldn't kid about this sort of thing," one of the men on the panel interrupts, his face a picture of horror.

"Having a mate is a good thing," the panel's head declares, scowling at Lyra and Andreas.

Lyra is pale, and her eyes seem wider than usual as she stares around the room.

"What the fuck," she whispers to herself.

Sonya is yipping, confused between being thrilled over the concept that she has a mate and being miserable that...