James Blackwood's eyes keep dropping to my mark on his daughter's neck, a father's anguish poorly concealed beneath his carefully neutral expression. I understand his pain, the primal agony of seeing his offspring claimed by another wolf, but I feel no remorse. Sophia is mine now, by right and by ritual. The sooner her father accepts this reality, the easier his adjustment to life in my pack will be. I take a deliberate sip of coffee, letting the silence stretch until James shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
"Tell me about Sophia's abilities," I say finally, setting down my cup with precision. "What did you notice when she was younger?"
James glances at his daughter, clearly uncomfortable discussing her as if she isn't present. "Perhaps Sophia should..."
"I'm asking you," I interrupt smo
