The cry of “Attack!” echoed through the courtyard, ripping away whatever control had barely held us together mere seconds before.

Kieran’s arm locked around me like tightly, his claws grazing through the cloak I’d stolen from his corner chair. “Stay here.”

“Oh yeah, sure,” I muttered, feeling smothered as my cheek pressed again him. “I’ll just sit pretty and hope your enemies politely don’t use me as a bargaining chip. Perfect plan, Alpha.”

His growl vibrated straight ...