Kael, who had been ready to run after his father, paused, turning back to Freya and tugging her hand. He began pestering her for a bedtime tale. It was the old routine, the silent collusion between father and pup.
For years, Riven had used this distraction to slip away unnoticed, giving himself a perfect excuse to indulge in his forbidden appetites under the cover of night.
But a pup was still a pup and Freya uncovered his ploy effortlessly. Feigning the need for fresh air, she excused herself. Kael sensed her mood and didn’t stop her.
She followed Riven’s scent trail through the corridors until it led her to the secluded washchamber hall, where Sorenna stood crying into Riven’s chest.
From behind the stone wall, their voices reached her ears clearly.
“This is your fault!” Sorenna sobbed. “You humiliated me in front of that woman. You clearly care more about her. If I had met you sooner, you never would have mated with her!”
Then her voice sharpened, dripping with jealousy. “The only reason she still holds the Luna title is because the mate bond you two get since puphood.”
Sorenna cried for quite a while. Riven didn’t interrupt—not a word.