(Kieran POV)
The weight of every stare in that courtyard pressed against my mate like a physical thing—some curious, some calculating, a few that held edges sharp enough to cut. Wolves were inherently hierarchical creatures, and introducing a human into established pack structure was the kind of change that could destabilize everything if handled poorly.
But Catherine stood under that scrutiny without flinching, her spine straight and shoulders squared like someone who'd faced worse judgment and survived it. The morning light caught highlights in her dark hair, painted her profile in shades that made something possessive unfurl in my chest with enough force to make breathing difficult.
Mine, the wolf whispered with satisfaction that felt like drowning in sunlight. Finally, completely, a
