He nodded once in return and led her out.

They didn’t stop walking until they reached the square.

The moment Desiree stepped into the open space, the weight of hundreds of eyes settled on her.

People had already gathered, pack members lining the edges, murmuring, watching.

Some faces were curious.

Others were openly hostile.

She caught snippets of whispers.

“That’s the Next Alpha’s human mate.”

“She won’t last.”

“And her son… he shouldn’t even exist.”

Desiree ...