My father entered. Thomas Blackwood, alpha before me, still carried himself like he owned every room he walked into.
"We need to talk," he said.
I gestured to the chair across from my desk. "About what?"
"About your future. About the pack's future." He sat, studying me with those cold gray eyes. "About Lydia Kane."
My stomach sank.
"Father"
"She would make an excellent mate. Strong bloodline. Good political connections. The alliance between our packs would be"
"I already have a mate."
"You had a traitor who lied to you and used you." His voice was flat. Matter-of-fact. "She's gone. The bond will fade eventually."
"It's not that simple."
"Isn't it?" He leaned forward. "Kade, you're alpha. You need a mate who will strengthen the pack, not weaken it. Lydia is"
"Not Sera."
The name
