"They're not leaving," Jared said, his voice cold and final, his eyes locked onto the guards by the palace gate. "Lock the gates. No one leaves this territory unless I say so."
"Yes, Alpha," the guards responded in unison, lowering their heads as they disappeared toward the outer wall.
Georgia let out a shaky breath. "Thank you... thank you for letting them stay." Her voice cracked as she stepped closer, reaching out slowly, unsure. Then, with a surprising boldness, she pressed a kiss to Jared's forehead.
Jared didn't move.
He didn't even blink.
His heart thudded against his ribs, loud and violent. Her scent filled his lungs, wildflowers and vanilla, and it only made the storm inside him worse.
She smiled softly, a hint of relief on her face. "I know this isn't easy for
