"Twenty years ago," Prospero began, his voice taking on the cadence of someone recounting history rather than personal memory, "I commanded the loyalty of twelve major pack territories across North America. Not through force or intimidation, but through respect and proven leadership."

Miranda watched her father's face transform as he spoke, seeing glimpses of the powerful Alpha he'd once been beneath the scholarly hermit he'd become.

"They called me the Kingmaker because I could broker peace ...