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“The point is…” Lord Blackthorn cleared his throat. “These bonds, once formed, cannot be forced or broken. Any attempt results in both deaths. And the fated ones could be anyone, any social class.”

“Which makes them vulnerable,” Lord Thanatos added darkly. “To those who would destroy what they fear. Or worse, try to harness power they don’t understand.”

“So let me get this straight,” Connor MacKenzie said. “We’re looking for maybe-glowing, possibly floating people who could be anyone, anywhere, that other cities might want to kidnap or kill, and our only guide is…” He waved the pamphlet. “101 Signs Your Mate Might Be Fated: A Helpful Guide?”

“Page three has a checklist,” Lady Lucia said helpfully.

The chamber erupted in a mix of groans, laughs, and serious discussions. Zane caught sight of several alphas already flipping through their pamphlets with poorly concealed interest.

“Then we must protect them all,” Magnus Erikson declared over the chaos, voicing what every alpha in the room was thinking beneath their skepticism. “Any who might be chosen.”

“Agreed,” Zane said. “We cannot allow Dark Haven, Silver Crown, or Storm Gate to threaten potential fated ones in our territory.”

“And I suppose we should all start practicing our ‘protective alpha’ poses?” Lei Cheng muttered.

“Page seven,” Lady Victoria said serenely.

“Now,” Lady Wei Cheng continued, producing an alarmingly thick folder, “we’ve prepared additional materials on proper fated one courtship protocols?—”

“Of course you have,” Archer muttered from behind his brother. “Let me guess—there’s a PowerPoint presentation too?”

Lady Victoria brightened. “Actually?—”

“Please, no,” Isaiah Kingston groaned. “The last presentation on ‘Proper Supernatural Etiquette’ was three hours long.”

“With interpretive dance,” Andre Mitchell added, shuddering at the memory.

“The dance was essential to demonstrate proper greeting postures,” Lady Aileen sniffed.

“Speaking of postures.” Lady Wei Cheng waved her hand, and another set of papers appeared. “We’ve outlined the traditional protective stances that?—”

“Oh my God, there arediagrams,” Archer wheezed, peeking over Zane’s shoulder. “Look, they even drew little hearts around thebrooding alpha lean.”

“I helped with those,” Lord Thanatos said with deadly seriousness, making several younger alphas choke on their laughter.

Kai Park cleared his throat. “While the… er, diagrams are very helpful,” he said diplomatically, “perhaps we should discuss practical measures? Security protocols?”

“Yes!” Lady Victoria seized on this. “Any fated one must be brought immediately to the council for protection?—”

“And registration,” Lord Blackthorn added quickly.

“And proper clan introduction,” Lady Freya Erikson interjected.

“And power assessment,” Lord Thanatos smiled darkly.

Azrael Shadowmere’s wings rustled. “I’m sure this has nothing to do with wanting to be the first to influence any potential fated ones toward your respective clans?”

The elders managed to look simultaneously offended and guilty.

“We merely wish to ensure proper protection,” Lady Victoria sniffed, though her golden mane bristled slightly.

“Through immediate relocation to the Lionheart compound, no doubt,” Lord Blackthorn said dryly.

“Clearly, the dragon clan’s ancient wisdom would be most beneficial—” Lady Wei Cheng began.

“Oh please,” Archer interrupted. “You’re all just hoping your clan gets the first one so you can brag about it at the next supernatural society gala.”

“I would never—” several elders started simultaneously, then stopped, glaring at each other.