SELENE POVHe grabbed my hand and pulled me gently to the bed and a thrill of anticipation flooded my body. Tor gently undid the laces of my dress and slid the fabric down my shoulders, then slowly lifted my silk shift up and over my head. When my hands were above my head Tor gathered both of my wrists in his hands. He then guided my body onto the bed and pinned my wrists down. I felt so vulnerable at that moment; the length of my body completely bared to his roving eyes. He scanned my body hungrily. I couldn't help but squirm underneath his gaze as he drank in every part of me. With his free hand, he slid his fingers down my collarbone and between my breasts before cupping the curves of my hip. Slowly he brought his lips to mine and claimed my mouth in a fiery kiss. I sighed with desire as I opened myself up to him and tangled my tongue with his own. A low growl rumbled from his throat as he deepened the kiss. Abruptly he pulled away, leaving me chasing his lips for more of him

SELENE POVI watched Tor disappear through the trees and dread filled my entire body. My heart burned with betrayal at his words, while another part of me felt compelled to do exactly as he said. The wolf side of me wanted to run and hide just as he had commanded. And the other wanted to follow and fight by Tor's side. I stood there battling myself for a few minutes as the dread built inside of me. Then with a growl, I shoved Tor's command to the side with a renewed sense of purpose. I had not been a full shifter long enough to follow his demands like a submissive puppy. Tor has been continuously making my choices for me. This time it was not going to happen. I was not going to let my decisions be dictated by anyone any longer! Not even if it was Tor. I was not the delicate woman that I was before. I could feel a new power in my body - a strength that I never knew I could harness - as well as a newfound rage for those who intended to hurt Tor or my pack. My breath caught as

TOR POVThe sun had barely begun to illuminate the skyline when the Alphas and Betas from pack Talia and Zaire started to file into my council chambers. Cassius stood by my side, completely healed of his injuries thanks to Selene. I looked at him and gave him a nod. In return, he slapped me gently on the shoulder. It had been a while since I had seen my trusted friend and was glad to have him at my side. Magnus, the Alpha of Pack Zaire stood by the fire with his Beta Ira. Both were stoic-faced and silent. Pack Talia's Alpha, Ares, approached me and gripped my arm in a warrior's greeting before standing beside his Beta Kole. "I can't thank you enough for your assistance yesterday," I said gruffly, looking at Ares and then at Magnus. Magnus nodded his head but said nothing, he was never a wolf of many words. His pack was from across the plains and surrounded by large valleys. They mostly dwelled in caves and cliffsides of canyons. Many of the Zaire pack shared his features; his

SELENE POVNight fell over Alder and I just finished eating dinner with Ava, Margo, Brielle, and Ellwood. We had been discussing the happenings of the past couple of days. But I was barely present as my thoughts were on nothing but Tor and my next move. After a lull in the conversation, I stood. "I think I'm going to turn in for the night," I said nonchalantly.The women bid me goodnight and before I left the dining hall Ellwood caught my eye and gave me a knowing glance. I gave her the barest of nods and slipped out of the room. At least Ellwood would know my plans and could tell the others at some point so that they would not worry for me too much. I made my way up to Tor's… our … bedroom and stepped inside. I slipped out of my simple dress that was covered in dirt and ash from today's work. Then I dressed in form-fitting leather breaches and a white cotton button-up shirt and paired them with dark leather traveling boots. I walked toward the large balcony doors and opened th

SELENE POV Tor and I had retired to sleep without another word to one another, but he held me tightly in his arms as we slept by the dying embers of the small fire. It was dawn when I opened my eyes again and Tor was still sleeping with his arms wrapped around me. I watched him sleep for a moment. The regret I felt for my betrayal was potent, but I couldn't deny the calming peace of being in his presence. Softly, I ran my fingers down his chest and when I looked into his eyes again, he was awake and watching me quietly. "Hi," I said quietly. With an indescribable look in his eyes, he ran a gentle knuckle down my cheek. Without a word, he slowly unwrapped himself from my limbs and stood. I watched as he dressed and when it was apparent that he wouldn't be speaking to me anytime soon, I went about gathering my clothes. I took a moment to mend the shirt Tor had ripped off me last night with my magic before getting dressed. I had just finished tying off my boots when Tor finally sp