Kermit's POV
The edge in my voice was unmistakable when I responded to Maximus's cryptic comment.
"I don't have time for games, Maximus. What exactly did you discover about her?"
He settled into the chair opposite mine, his expression growing serious. "She was previously mated to Alpha Sterling."
The words hit me like a physical blow. What the hell?
"They bonded when she turned eighteen. But once Sterling secured what he was after—his climb up the social ladder—he cast her aside without a second thought."
My jaw clenched involuntarily. If Mother had known about this history, she never would have been so eager to arrange our introduction. But that raised another question that gnawed at me.
If their relationship was truly over, why had Sterling been practically glued to Tonia's side at the gathering?
"How long ago did they separate?" I demanded.
"Five years."