The phone rang, breaking the heavy silence in the office. Kade looked at the display and knew, even before answering, that nothing good would come of that call. The voice on the other end was dry, authoritative, one of the oldest on the Council—the kind of man who spoke as if he still ruled the world.

“Kade, we have received reports about your rejection of your mate and your current relationship with another wolf. This has caused discontent among the elders. You know what that ...