Her text followed, [Alpha, want to come out and play tonight?]
Just as he prepared to decline, a video call flashed across the screen.
“Are you sure you’re not coming?” Sorenna purred. “Winterfest is approaching. I could grant you a wish… perhaps as a Winter Fairy who gives you anything you desire.”
Riven’s pulse surged.
She always knew how to pull him in. But tonight was his wedding anniversary. Sneaking off to meet another she-wolf at this hour would be crossing a line—even for him.
And yet…
As Freya slept quietly beside him, Sorenna slowly peeled off the final layer of moon-silk. Riven’s restraint frayed thread by thread.
He rose from the bed, convincing himself this would be the last time before Freya’s birthday. Just once more. Just tonight.
But the moment he reached for his coat, Freya stirred awake.
Their eyes met.
Riven steadied himself and forced an easy smile. “Urgent matter at the Alpha Court. Did I wake you?”
He bent down and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, as though he were the model of a loving mate. Without waiting for her reply, he grabbed his coat and left.
The door slammed shut. Silence swallowed the chamber.
Kael jolted awake, rubbing his eyes.