I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart from the whole Fated mate realization. The words were still ringing in my ears like someone was striking a gong, but I had to lock that realization in a box for now. I had a different kind of predator to face.
The hall was filled with the low, discordant hum of hushed whispers and the occasional small voices of children. As I stepped fully into the light, the room went dead silent.
Talia had been efficient—and perhaps a bit malicious—in her recruitment.
Seated on the stone benches were about two dozen women. Some looked bored, some looked ready to commit murder, and others just looked exhausted. But they all had one thing in common: their eyes were fixed on me with a cold, territorial scrutiny that made my skin crawl.
And then there were the pups.
