Chapter 8: Evander's Night

Evander's POV

My father had not set foot in my house in six years.

Now he stood a hand's width from Seren, breathing her in, and the whole court watched him do it.

"She smells exactly like her," he said again.

"She smells like soap," I said. "It's from the manor. Your housekeeper chose it."

I stepped between them.

It was the first time in my life I had put myself in his way, and my knees did not feel like mine.

He looked at me, finally.

"Do you think I don't know that scent, Evander?"

"I think you've been ill, Father."

"Do you?" His mouth curved. "The Alpha wrote to me. He says you have found a mate."

"I have."

"A wolf."

"A late shifter."

"Of course." He let his gaze drift back to Seren. "How very lucky for her."

Seren stood perfectly straight beside me.

She did not shake, and she did not look away from him.

I had never been prouder of anyone, and I wanted to put my fist through the wall.

"I'll attend the Alpha's supper at the March moon," my father said. "I should like to see the mark."

"There will be a mark."

"I'm sure there will." He tapped his cane once on the stone. "Keep her well, my son."

He walked out the way he had come in, and the doors shut behind him.

The silence broke, and the court began to whisper.

"Out," I said.

They went.

I had never needed to say it twice to a room of my own people.

When the hall was empty, Seren turned to me.

Her hands were fists at her sides, and her chin was up.

"You said it was soap."

"I did."

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