**Lynn's POV**

'Warren Sterling sounds strong,' Istha muses in my mind. 'Protective. Maybe he could be—'

"No." I say it out loud, even though I'm alone in my office. "Don't even think about it, Istha."

'Why not? He's unmated. Powerful. An Alpha who could protect our pups—'

"Because he's offering us sanctuary. Family hospitality. That's all." I organize the papers on my desk with sharp movements. "I'm not looking for a mate. I'm ...