“He is Monroe's son." I pointed at Ren. "And he's your best hope to win this war." "He's what?" Shay's voice was dead quiet. I'm what?" Ren kept his own voice to a whisper, but the look he'd thrown me was a bit alarmed.”

“The air around Shay rippled, tinged with the rusty hue of his rage. I caught the scent of Ren's own fury, sudden and violent, as he stepped in front of me, blocking Shay's approach. It was an act of possession, as unmistakable as if he'd thrown a gauntlet at Shay's feet. Ren was an alpha, and he was reclaiming his place.”

“Silas?" I glanced from Ren to the mad-haired scholar. "He was your company?" "Still jealous?" Ren winked at me. "I was not jealous," I said. "Really?" Ren said. "So that harpy-ish tone was your normal speaking voice?”

“Only Ren wasn't smiling. He was eyeing Connor suspiciously.“What?” Connor asked, frowning at the alpha.“That's my sister,” Ren growled.Connor stared at him. “I know. And I love her.”“Great,” Ren said. “But what are your intentions?”“My intentions?” Connor looked from Ren to Adne, frowning.Ren grinned, showing Connor his sharp canines. “When all this is over, you and I have a lot to talk about, too.”

“Ren? I begged. Please don't leave me.You are in my heart. Always. His warm voice whispered softly and then faded away.”

“I like that, he said quietly, his voice back to silk. What? I whispered. You sayin' my name, he told me. I'll like it better when you moan it, tonight, when I'm inside you.”