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Scott could hear it in Aelryn’s voice. “What are you expecting to find in there?”

“I don’t know! I know it may sound crazy, but ever since we found each other, ever since I learned of Horvan and his mates, I have the inescapable feeling that something has… shifted. No pun intended. But now it’s as if everything is holding its breath for something that is about to happen—something that will rock us to our core.”

Aelryn’s excitement was infectious. Scott could feel his own anticipation bubbling up inside him.

But it isn’t only Aelryn. I’ve been feeling like this since I woke up this morning.

Maybe it was the thought of Aelryn coming home.

Enough. Scott had things to do.

“Okay, now youhaveto hang up. I need to go check on our new guests.”

“I love you.”

Warmth flowed through him. “I love you too. And I’ll see you soon.” And because he knew Aelryn wouldn’t end the call, Scott finished it for him.

He had medical rounds to do—changing dressings, giving out medication, but most of all, being someone who could listen.

They’ve been through so much. The physical injuries would heal soon enough; the mental ones would take a good deal longer.

As Scott left his room, heading for the infirmary, he was aware of that blossoming feeling of anticipation again, only now it was stronger.

Something is coming.

DOCTOR RAMIREZ’Slight touch on his shoulder made Scott jump. “Doctor, are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

The doctor frowned. “You need a break. You’ve been at it all morning. Get outside into the sunlight. Feel the breeze on your face. And that’s my official prescription.”

Scott chuckled. “Okay, I get the message.” He closed the folder he’d been reviewing, stood, and went over to the fridge, where someone had left sandwiches and juice. He grabbed one of each, then headed for the doors that led to the school garden. He’d discovered it not long after they’d liberated the place. It was a tranquil spot, with trees, roses, and a fountain at its center, the tinkling sound of the water a soothing accompaniment to the pleasant perfume of the flowers.

Those students had everything.

Well, nearly everything. So many of their adoptive parents hadn’t wanted them back. Scott’s throat tightened.And how do you deal with a thing like that?

He strolled over to an empty bench near the fountain, sat, and turned his face toward the sun, his eyes closed.

Dr. Ramirez was right. This is exactly the medicine I needed.

The roses behind him gave off a heady scent, stronger than anything he’d ever encountered, and he wondered what species had been planted. Then the perfume changed, pervading the air all around him, becoming sweeter, yet at the same time there was an underlying spice that unfurled something deep in Scott’s belly, an irresistible tugging that sent electricity zapping through him until he had to open his eyes to find the source of that incredible smell.

A familiar smell.

A woman stood in front of him, and Scott recognized her features from the lists of ex-inmates who’d arrived a short while ago. She was petite, with short, spiky black hair, and eyes so dark they were almost black too.

Then he realized the enticing scent came from her, rolling off her in waves, reaching for him, enveloping him, pulling him to stand, to step closer—

To hold her.

The woman gaped at him. “What are you doing to me?”

Scott gaped right back. “What amIdoing toyou? I’m just sitting here, enjoying the—” Then it hit him.That scent.The same scent that had assaulted him the day he’d walked into Aelryn’s office for the first time—

And found my mate.

Bless her, she was trembling, and somewhere in Scott’s head, a voice was yelling.

It’s her! It’s her!