The celebration dragged on for what felt like hours.

Every wolf in the territory wanted to congratulate me, pledge loyalty, or simply stare at the Luna who could force an entire room to kneel. I smiled until my face hurt, accepted their oaths, and tried to look like I belonged.

All while hyperaware of Dante beside me, his hand never leaving my waist, his body radiating heat and barely contained desire.

“How much longer?” I whispered during a lull in the crowd.

“Another hour. Maybe ...