Rowan found Nadia in the gardens behind the Alpha house.
She was sitting on the stone bench where she always sat when she was plotting — knees together, hands folded, face arranged in the serene expression she wore like armor. Rowan had studied Nadia the way he studied everyone: as a tool. A means to an end. A piece on a board that could be moved with the right combination of flattery and pressure.
"Walk with me," he said, and she fell into step beside him without question. That was the thing about Nadia — she had been conditioned to follow authority, to seek approval from powerful men. Her father had made sure of that.
"The Spring Equinox Festival," Rowan began. "You know the council's decision."
"Lucas has three weeks to find his fated mate or choose me." Nadia's voice was carefully
