My jaw tightened, a hard muscle flexing beneath my skin. "I'm focusing on my studies and keeping the timberline borders secure, Father. I don't have time to entertain prospective matches right now."
"You make time," Victor snapped, his dark eyes flashing with a sudden, authoritative spark as his Alpha pressure flared just enough to make the air in the room feel heavy and tight. "Look around you. The tension along the northern ridge is rising by the day. Any moment now, something could spark a conflict with the surrounding territories. If anything happens to me, you need to be ready to step into my seat instantly and you cannot command the full respect of the elders without a Luna by your side to solidify your succession."
He paused, letting the heavy weight of his words settle over the r
