Outside Silverwind Pack's stronghold, a graceful fortress set into the side of the Northern Ridge where the mist never quite lifted from the ground, the carriage wheels came to a slow stop. With her silver traveling cloak firmly grasped around her shoulders, Serafina emerged, her gaze rising to the icy splendor of her new home.
At the stairs, Thomas was waiting. He had a courteous, almost obedient, but cold look. He made a shallow bow and said, "Welcome to Silverwind, Luna."
"Thank you," Serafina said, trying to sound as steady as her heartbeat. The stone beneath her boots felt heavier than the forests of Barduff Castle ever had, and she was here for duty, not love.
A tall man, broad-shouldered, dressed in black and silver, with dark hair swept back from a strong face and eyes a piercing steel-blue that held both caution and instinct, stepped forward from the side as servants started unloading her belongings.
Thomas pointed to him and said, "This is Roman Fletcher.One of our best warriors and my beta. He will ensure your safety."
The world shifted when Roman and Serafina locked eyes.
A shock went through her like a bolt of lightning. The smell—his scent—hit her with unmistakable clarity, and she gasped as an overwhelming warmth filled her chest. pine forest. Iron. Smoke. It buried itself under her bones and clung to her skin. Howling and clawing, her wolf charged forward to get to him.
Roman's eyes darkened and he stiffened. He had sensed it, too.
My mate.
Not possible. Not right now.
Blinking, Serafina tried to gather herself. Roman took an almost imperceptible step back, his jaw clenched, his eyes searching the horizon, as though he hadn't just had the same epiphany.
Thomas failed to notice.
"Roman will accompany you to your room and I'll join you for supper later," he then turned to speak to a group of warriors by the gate.
Roman held out his hand toward the castle door. "In this manner, lady."
His voice was tense, steady and low, like a held breath, but the words were formal. Serafina walked silently next to him, their every step resonating too deeply.
When they were by themselves in the hallway, she whispered, "You felt it."
Roman avoided eye contact with her. "Yes, I did."
Her heart pounded in agony. "And?"
At last he turned to her and paused at the door to her new quarters. "You're married. This pack is what I serve. We remain silent. We take no action."
Slowly, Serafina nodded, her poise threatened by the pain between her ribs. "I agree."
Their wolves continued to pace on either side, restless, aching, and bonded, despite the door closing between them.
And a dormant power awoke somewhere, deep within the old Silverwind keep.