IN HEAT

ERYX

That scent belongs to Velora. It's the same one I caught in the library. But what the hell is it doing here? How is it possible to smell her inside the Mayes’ house?

I press my jaw tight, silently willing Magnus to stay calm. I force my breathing to remain even, refusing to let the realization show on my face.

“Eryx, are you okay?” Aveline's worried voice cuts through my thoughts.

The scent begins to fade, and only then does the worst of the pressure ease. I open my eyes. My gaze lands on Rose’s anxious expression and Aveline’s exaggerated concern.

“I apologize for that,” I say evenly.

If my mate is truly living in this house, I can't let anyone know yet. Especially not here. Not when this place is filled with people like Aveline and her mother.

“You almost scared me.” Aveline settles back onto the edge of her seat, still watching me carefully. Then her perfume floods my nose again; heavy, artificial, and unpleasant. I fight the urge to wrinkle my nose.

I slowly rise to my feet, sliding one hand into my pocket as I look down at her.

“There's a reason I came here tonight, Aveline.”

Her brows knit together. “Yes, tell me.” The bright, hopeful smile returns to her face.

I let the silence stretch for a second. “I came to put an end to something that should have ended a long time ago.” My gaze remains fixed on hers. “I am here to reject you, Aveline Mayes of Hollowfang, as my mate and future Luna.” My voice remains calm. Absolute. And final.

Rose's face immediately twists into disbelief. Aveline's expression changes instantly. She starts to speak, but Rose reaches for her, holding her back with a firm look before slowly getting to her feet.

“I'm sorry, young Alpha Eryx.” She forces a smile. “I apologize on behalf of my daughter. Perhaps she's simply been overly excited about the engagement and may have offended you somehow—”

“It's not up for debate, Rose.” I cut her off before she can finish.

Her smile falters.

“I’m only here because I still respect the history between our families.” I look at her the same way I would look at a minor inconvenience. “That history is the only reason I’m still speaking to you. Don't push it.”

“If that were the case, you wouldn't dare speak to me that way, Eryx.”

She tilts her chin, clearly trying to stand her ground, but honestly, I don't think she's worth wasting my energy on.

“I'm your father's friend's wife. It's the only reason I'm holding myself back, so I demand you speak to me with respect, Eryx Nightbane.”

Her voice turns cold, carrying the kind of fury that has probably ruled this household for years.

Exactly what I've been expecting. This is the real Rose Mayes. The same woman I've known for decades.

A low, almost indifferent sound leaves me, barely a breath of a laugh — before I meet her eyes again.

“Is that a threat?” My voice stays quiet. “Or are you still trying to negotiate something that was never yours to negotiate?”

“You're overstepping your boundaries, young Alpha!” Her voice rises again, blazing with anger. “Don't forget that my family is an ally to the crown. This union was declared by the Alpha himself. My daughter won't accept your rejection unless we hear it from—”

“Oh, I assure you,” I cut her off, my patience thinning. “I'll announce it to the entire pack myself, if that's what you prefer.”

I cut her off before she opens her mouth again, still calm. Still unbothered. “That can be arranged.”

I'm trying hard to keep myself calm. Aveline is crying harder now, but she still doesn't interfere. I barely even glance at her.

“What?” Rose echoes silently in shock.

“Let me make something clear.” I take a single step toward her. “You’re friends with Theron Nightbane.” I take another step. “Not with me.”

Her expression tightens.

“There is a limit to what I will tolerate in my presence.” I stop directly in front of her, my voice low and precise. “The next time you decide to speak to me like that, remember who you’re addressing.” I hold her gaze for a long second. “Do not test it.”

With that, I wait another second before turning to leave. I don’t even make it to the door before something hits me hard.

Something sweet. Intense. Familiar.

My entire body goes rigid. I recognize it instantly… It’s her.

“Fuck,” I mutter through gritted teeth.

Velora is in heat. Magnus goes mad, no longer asking. He can feel it too.

*Eryx. Our mate is in heat.* he growls.

My body stops functioning… Fuck, I have to get to her. Now