Scars and Shadows
The networking event was pure torture. Viktor watched Aria from across the room, his wolf snarling as another female pressed against his arm, ignoring his mate's presence entirely.
"Alpha Volkov," the wolf – Sarah? Sandra? – purred, "I heard the Council's tragic accident left quite a power vacuum. My pack would be *very* interested in forming new... alliances."
The way she said 'alliances' made his skin crawl. But he kept his politician's smile, even as the mate bond transmitted Aria's spike of hurt and anger.
"How fascinating," he said coldly, "that you'd proposition a mated alpha so openly." He couldn't stand slots like her.
Sarah/Sandra laughed, trailing perfectly manicured nails down his sleeve. "Oh please. Everyone knows you were forced into that bond. That litt
