I retrieve my clothing, well in the lead of the California pack and my suitors, and hurry to the palace. I'm still pulling on my shirt, settling it over my shoulders before swinging on my leather jacket as I cross the threshold into the main foyer. I feel the other weres following me, wondering why Caine doesn't barge his way in past me.

Oleksander is on his throne, as usual, when I stride up the aisle with my heart hammering in my chest. At ...