After a lingering kiss with Jadon, I bound toward my quarters, taking the grand staircase three steps at a time. Halfway up, I spot Jace descending and force myself to slow to a dignified pace. He pauses, his eyes knowing.

"That girl has brought something out in you," he says, his voice low enough that only wolf ears could catch it. "She's got an innocence about her. Don't rush this, Evan. I haven't seen that light in your eyes for years."

His hand finds my shoulder, gives a firm squeeze of ...