Raven Stormholt was my closest friend among the packs—convenient enough to use as a shield for the truth.
I redirected the conversation, letting my eyes drift to Aurora, who was so intoxicated on moonwine she could barely keep her footing. "What happened to Aurora? Did she overindulge at the feast?"
His expression shifted, something uncomfortable passing through his scent as his attention pulled away from the document. "Her former mate's pack is stirring up trouble," he offered vaguely. "She'll be staying at the den with us for a few days."
Then, with a practiced air of concern, he turned his focus to me. "Even if you're assisting a friend, you shouldn't be meeting unmated males this late under the moon."
That familiar lecturing tone, as if he had any right to it.
I watched Aurora, practically draped across his chest, her fingers curled into the fabric of his tunic, and felt nothing but hollow irony settle in my bones.
This male who called her his sister at every gathering had long since positioned her where a mate belonged.
"Pack Advocate Thornhart, let's end our consultation here for tonight." My voice remained steady, betraying nothing.
Kael's sharp, fox-like eyes swept over Aurora with deliberate slowness, and a knowing smile curved across his lips.
"Now that I think about it, I've never had the pleasure of meeting Alpha Duskmoor's bonded mate."
He shot me a look heavy with meaning, then glanced back at Aurora, his tone carrying an edge of suggestion. "Don't tell me the Alpha's true mate is—"
"My pack's private matters are none of your concern." Fenris cut him off, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. Clearly, he had no intention of revealing who bore his bond mark.
Kael dipped his head in acknowledgment, entirely unruffled by the Alpha's displeasure. "My apologies. Open bonding arrangements are so common among the elite packs these days—I simply assumed Alpha Duskmoor might follow that custom. Rest assured, I know when to keep my nose out of another wolf's territory."
Before Fenris's temper could fully ignite, Kael turned and strolled away into the shadows, leaving only that knowing smile lingering in the moonlight.
"If you ever find yourself in need of a Bond Severance, Alpha Duskmoor, feel free to send a howl-call my way. I'll offer you a favorable arrangement."