I knew exactly why Finn didn't want me inside. The feast hall was filled with the most powerful Alphas in the Territories, and among them sat Luna Consort Rosalind Nighthollow, the High Alpha's most beloved mate.
Every guest seated comfortably at those tables believed that Edith Ashvale, his brother's former mate, was the rightful Luna of the Thornwood Pack.
A mate appearing out of nowhere was a problem Finn had no idea how to explain.
And that was precisely why I was here. To make sure he couldn't.
Finn stared at me, his face drained of color, scrambling for a way out.
Edith's eyes darted, and then she stepped forward with a warm smile, reaching for my arm. Her scent hit me before her fingers did, overripe peaches and crushed oleander, sweet enough to choke on.
"Pack-sister, what are you saying? You're Finn's mate, which makes you family. You and the pup arrived so suddenly that Finn was simply overwhelmed with joy and didn't know what to say. He would never hide anything from you!"
She tried to steer me toward a side chamber.
I pulled my arm free. "You must be my mate's brother's former mate."
Edith's smile froze for a heartbeat before she forced it back into place with a nod.