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“Then they’re asking you to trust them with power they’ve already shown us how they’ll use.”

I study her profile. There is no uncertainty in her expression.

“Candice spent years preparing to become Luna, regardless of who Ronan’s mate turned out to be,” she continues. “When she discovered it was me, she became even more certain the title would be hers. She made sure I remained dependent on her while she learned everything I should have known.”

“She can’t keep that knowledge from you anymore.”

“No.” Selena meets my eyes. “And I remember what you taught me. Law. Power. Alliances. Enemies. These appointments affect all four.”

Pride moves through me, warm and fierce.

Our mate remembers, my Lycan says. They should remember what happened when they underestimated her.

“Their loyalty has never been tested in my favor,” she says. “Their obedience has. They bow because I’m Luna and because they’ve seen my Lycan. I want to know what they would do if they believed I couldn’t defend myself.”

My jaw hardens.

“You would still have me.”

Her hand rests against my cheek. “I know.”

“I would have burned this pack to the ground before letting them hurt you again.”

“And I intend to help you build a pack where no one needs that threat to feel safe.”

For a moment, I can only look at her.

“That,” I say quietly, “is why none of these files are good enough.”

Her mouth curves.

“Then we keep looking.”

“Perhaps the right candidates live in another universe.”

“Perhaps they simply haven’t applied.”

She lifts my mug and places it in my hand.

I take a drink, then set it aside and bury my nose against her neck.

Stay here, my Lycan murmurs. Right here.

“Rylan.”

“Mm.”

“Close the files.”

“There are still three I need to review.”

“And they’ll still be here tomorrow.” She draws back enough to meet my eyes. “You’ve spent nearly every evening in this study for two weeks. Come with me.”

She rises from my lap.

My Lycan protests with a low whine.

You let her leave.