The two men stared at each other for a long moment, years of tension and unspoken grievances hanging between them.

"I trust you're not planning any... surprises for the ceremony?" Marcus continued, his eyes narrowing. "Any tricks or dramatic gestures that might embarrass the Reynolds family?"

William's expression remained carefully neutral, though his wolf snarled inside him.

"I gave my word," he replied calmly. "I'll be there tomorrow, as agreed."

But even as he ...