Elin's POV

The castle looms ahead, all stone and shadows.

Erikson's driving, silent and watchful. Aaron sits beside me, close enough that I can feel his warmth, smell his scent---pine and something darker. But he doesn't touch me. Like he's afraid one wrong move will make me bolt.

Maybe he's right.

We pull into the courtyard. The old butler is waiting.

"Alpha Aaron. Miss Morgan. Master Lucas is in the study."

Aaron's hand settles on the small of my back---barely-there pressure that sends ...