The Pacific Crown Gala had transformed into a secondary coronation for me. I had effectively shredded Turner Studios' plans to bury me in the shadows. Instead of being a forgotten relic, the "Silver Wolf" had left every high-ranking professional in the hall with my scent on their minds—partly due to my own composure, and partly due to Connor’s dangerous, public praise.
Among the predators watching me was the Alpha of Nova Star Agency. He had tried to poach me from Blake multiple times over the last three winters, only to be rebuffed while I was still blinded by loyalty. Now, seeing how the Turners had tried to sabotage their own lead hunter, he didn't even try to be subtle.
After the final toasts, the Nova Star Alpha approached Blake. He was a towering, silver-backed male who radiated a
