Damien.
I had felt uncomfortable inside my room from the moment night fell.
The Alpha heat had begun to crawl under my skin like a fever, hot, distracting, relentless. While my brothers were reckless enough to indulge whoever crossed their path during this cursed season, I had drawn a line for myself long ago.
Not tonight. Not ever, not unless it was with my fated mate.
On ordinary days, I could take pleasure in whoever wanted it. Women always hovered, eager to please an Alpha, eager to earn favor or be noticed.
But tonight?
This night was sacred, designed to strengthen a bond, to tie souls tighter, to fan sparks into wildfire. And my mate, my Goddess-given mate, turned out to be a rogue and, quite possibly, a spy.
The irony was cruel enough to make even the moon laugh.
I dragged a frustrated hand through my hair, every breath scorching hot. The walls of my room felt too tight, the air too heavy.
