The rival disappears beyond the locked gate at first light, but Colin's hand doesn't leave my waist. I'm pressed to the fence, my body already betraying the defiance I hold close after so many years of being cast out by the pack.

This breeding arrangement was duty, a way to produce the heir that would end the power struggle and give me a place. But the way he claims me with that single touch makes me ache for his knot, for the full possession that would mark me as his and breed me until there's no question of my belonging.

He hasn't spoken yet. The silence stretches, and I feel the pull to submit growing stronger with every breath, wondering if this alpha will finally keep what the others threw away.