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I’ve avoided going with him to spend time with her. I know that nothing will make me want her, and the last thing I want to do is offend. Leigh is innocent in all of this, and she deserves better than being shackled to me. I’m pretty sure River has some sense of what’s going on between Raine and me, but I don’t think he understands how deep my feelings are.

“I just don’t think that’s a good idea,” I hedge, rubbing a hand across my beard.

His green eyes are nearly the same color as Raine’s, but his are harder in every way, and the cool, unimpressed look on his face is sharp enough to cut.

“Alright,” he drawls. “I’ll give you until after the delegation leaves, but I want you to make a real effort. The Midland Council is up my ass about securing our political position. There’s some unrest in the compound’s hierarchy fueled by a small but growing group of dissenters. The Council is getting worried about the compound’s stability, especially because we can’t uncover the leader of this group. My position as leader is on the line.”

River looks out over the compound, examining his domain. “Any day now the group from the western territories will be here to discuss a huge trade agreement.” His voice lowers. “This will be our compound’s first contact with shifters, and we cannot be seen as anything but strong and united as we hammer out the logistics. There can’t be a single whisper that we aren’t in full control. We need to be seen as capable of keeping promises, for our sake and Raine’s.

“Beyond that, you need to get serious about Leigh. As far as we know, the alpha that the Lunar Mother—their people’s leader—sent is unmated and without a pack. Their people are more spiritual about mates than we are. Think of the status boost we’d get if we’re courting an omega while our potential ally is still looking for his mate.”

My lip curls in disdain. “Do you even hear yourself right now? Do you actually like Leigh, or is she just the latest prop for you to use in your unquenchable thirst for power?” The words are out of my mouth before I can really think them through, but what the fuck is going on with my best friend? First, he agrees to let his own sister be mated off without her input, and now he’s talking about a different omega like she isn’t even a person.

How dare he speak of such a life-changing event so casually, as if it doesn’t matter who we bond, so long as we bond someone to maintain this veil of power within the compound? Meanwhile, I’m dying every day that I don’t claim the omega that was made for me when we were nothing but stardust. I am hurting her every day.

River’s hands clench at his sides and he won’t look at me anymore. His pheromones spike, dousing me so heavily in his anger and dominance that my heart rate spikes, readying my body to enter fight or flight.

He sees my body freeze and can no doubt smell the fear and panic in my scent. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been since I was thrown from my family’s compound, my body still reacts like every display of dominance is either a challenge or a precursor to pain.

Instantly, his pheromones calm and his warm boozy scent evens out. “I know things are tense right now,” he grits out, “so I’m not going to take that personally. I’ll sleep elsewhere tonight and we’ll talk tomorrow and get ourselves sorted before the envoy arrives. Get some rest and maybe your head will be clearer after.” Without another word, he stalks off the porch and heads into the compound’s center.

Why do I always feel guilty for disappointing him?

[ 3 ]

RAINE

Grand Prairie Compound

Days Since Last Attack: 83

It hits me on my way home from work that these are the last few days that I’ll be walking this path at all. In the very near future, I’ll be ushered to the square where the assembly will conduct a small mating ceremony that essentially gives me to my new alpha or pack. I nearly retch thinking about what comes after that.

How can I possibly leave my home? Leave Ferris?

The familiar scent of cherry wood and frosty snow surrounds me right before Clay catches up beside me. “Hey,” he breathes. “I tried to find you after your shift, but Vale said you’d already left. I hustled to catch up with you.”

I glance over at him. In another life, one where I’m not scent-matched, Clay would have been the perfect real choice for me. He’s only a few years older, strong, and handsome with a kind demeanor. Alphas don’t get much better. He’s always been so sweet to me, even when I was constantly in his way while hanging out with his sister. Vale tried to set us up so many times, but unfortunately, even as I scan over his tanned skin, gorgeous dark hair pulled back from his face, and rich brown eyes, all I feel is friendship.

“Hey, I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to speak with you.” I twist my hands nervously.

“Yeah, I actually wanted to speak with you too,” he laughs awkwardly. “I overheard from some of the other guards that the assembly voted for you to be matched. The only thing I’ve heard all morning is gossip about who is going to offer for you.”

I swallow hard and will my scent to remain neutral, so he doesn’t perceive my distress. I look around, noting the other compound residents moseying around. “I wanted to ask you something, but we can’t speak here,” I whisper, hooking his arm through mine. “Follow me.”

When we stop behind one of the abandoned storage sheds, Clay’s face loses its usual humor and his eyes darken with intent. “Let me go first?” I nod and he takes one of my hands and quietly says, “I know about you and Ferris.”

It feels as though the entire world tilts as icy panic floods my body from head to toe. “What?” I stammer.

“Vale might have let it slip that you have a scent-match and let’s be honest, it’s easy to see the connection between you and Ferris once you know what to look for. You two are like magnets when you’re in the same room.”

My breathing becomes rapid as I try to wrap my head around what’s happening. Does the entire compound know?

“Hey,” Clay soothes, “don’t worry.” His woody scent shifts into something sweeter as he pumps the air full of calming pheromones. “Listen to me, okay? I wish I had been able to speak with you before the assembly decided you were to be matched, but there was no warning that this was coming.”

Clay’s normally easygoing demeanor crumbles right in front of me as his face morphs with sadness and his body seems to collapse in on itself. “I have a scent-match too,” he whispers. “I can’t be with them, either.”

Shocked, all I can do is stare at Clay, bewildered. I never would have guessed he was hiding a scent-match. “They live here, right?” He nods, so I ask, “Then why can’t you be together?”