Sorenna’s perfect face blanched, then flushed in blotches of red. She bit her lip—an act of wounded innocence—then spun sharply on her heel and swept out.
The chamber softened after her departure. Riven entered carrying bowls of warm moonroot broth and freshly washed spirit-berries.
“She’s careless by nature,” he said lightly as he set the food down. “Speaks before she thinks. Don’t take it to heart.”
When he reached to smooth a loose strand of hair from Freya’s forehead, she flinched back. Just barely—but enough.
“I’m sweaty… I feel unpleasant,” she murmured, refusing to meet his eyes.
Riven stilled, startled, then his expression gentled. He took her cool hands in both of his.
“How could you ever be unpleasant? You always carry the scent of my moon-mate.” His thumb brushed her knuckles. “I could never despise you.”
He lifted her hand and kissed it softly.
Kael squealed, covering his eyes dramatically. “Ewww, so mushy!”
But he wriggled closer, looping his arms around Freya’s arm. “Then I’ll keep Mommy warm too!”
Outside the glass wall, passing pack members slowed, catching a glimpse of what looked like a perfect Alpha family—the strong Alpha, the gentle Luna, their bright cub.