“You never said your father was the freaking Alpha King!” Meret stuttered.

There was a beat of silence. A hawk cried in the distance.

Bruce offered her a sheepish shrug. “You never asked.”

Then he turned to the woman who was still standing at attention.

“Tell Father I have news for him, and I’ll be with him shortly. I have to show my guest her room.”

Meret furrowed her brows at what he said but didn’t argue as he took her by the arm — not roughly, but firmly — and led her ...