As they set out to move, the rogue leader—who Avery had mentally dubbed the "Rogue Lord"—made a decision that filled her with a fresh wave of anxiety.

"Hold on," he commanded, raising a hand to halt their progress. He eyed Avery's mates with a mixture of suspicion and cunning. "The girl stays with me. Just in case you four get any ideas."

Shane, Sean Cruz, and Romeo exchanged tense glances, their protective instincts flaring. Shane took a step forward, his muscles tensed. "You ...