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"I don't give a damn what humans recognize." The words came out in a near-growl. "She is my Luna. Mine to protect. She stays."

Across the room, Orion caught Seraphina watching their exchange with curious green eyes. Something within him softened, even as his resolve hardened.

"Send a polite but firm refusal. State that Miss Lucero is safe and receiving medical care after an attempted assault in Miami. Add that she is free to leave whenever she wishes, and we would be happy to arrange communications with American authorities once she has recovered." Orion's tactical mind was working again, finding the balance between truth and diplomacy. "That should buy us time."

"And if they escalate?" Jared asked.

Orion's gaze never left Seraphina. "Then they'll learn what happens when humans meddle in wolf business."

He dismissed Jared with a nod and strode back toward his seat beside Seraphina. Let them come with their politics and their threats. He had stood against enemies far more formidable than a single American senator.

What troubled him more was the question of how someone had recognized him in the first place. His pack had maintained careful isolation for centuries.

And why would anyone care so desperately about claiming Seraphina that they'd involve high-level government officials within hours?

The wolf inside him knew the answer: she was precious beyond measure.

And now, approaching her at the table, Orion knew one thing with absolute certainty—he would burn the human world to ash before he'd let them take her from him.

A large hand suddenly clapped onto his shoulder, halting his forward momentum mere steps from his Luna. Orion whipped around, a growl building in his throat, only to find Chance's familiar dark features watching him with concern.

"A word, My King?" Chance's voice was quiet but insistent.

Orion glared, his nostrils flaring. His eyes flicked toward Seraphina, who was now engaged in conversation with Macie again. "You have terrible timing."

Chance guided him away from the table, toward one of the enormous windows overlooking the moonlit ocean. "I couldn't help overhearing about our American senator friend who's so desperate to get your lady back."

"It's absurd," Orion's muscles tightened across his shoulders. "Humans complaining about jurisdiction while their officials are likely the ones who broke into her home in the first place."

"You think it's a setup?"

"My instincts are screaming it." Orion watched his reflection in the glass, superimposed over the dark sea. "How would anyone know to find her here within hours? Someone targeted her, and now they're trying to force my hand."

Chance leaned against the stone wall, considering. "Well, she'll probably want to go home anyway, so what's the big deal? Maybe let her go and court her properly on her turf?"

The temperature around them seemed to drop several degrees as Orion turned, his eyes flashing dangerously. "What did you say?"

Chance held up his hands. "Easy, old friend."

"She was about to be attacked. Outside her home. And you suggest I send her back there?" Orion stepped closer, his voice lowering to a lethal hush. "I didn't spend four centuries building this kingdom to have some human politician dictate who stays within my walls."

The muscle in his jaw worked furiously as his wolf's agitation fed into his own. Seraphina was his to protect—his Luna, his destiny, his responsibility. His weakness, too, though he'd never admit it aloud.

"All I'm saying," Chance continued, carefully neutral, "is that all hope isn't lost even if she does go back. You just need to convince her to want to stay."

Orion's brow furrowed. "Convince her? She's my Luna. The mate bond?—"

"—means absolutely nothing to a human woman who until today had no idea shifters existed." Chance's smile softened his words. "She's not some she-wolf who recognizes the honor of being chosen by a king. She's an astronomer. A scientist. You need to appeal to her humanity."

"And how exactly do you suggest I do that?" Orion crossed his arms, his biceps straining against the fine fabric of his shirt.

Chance's laugh was low and warm. "You may not have had to woo many women in your time—they usually just fall at your feet—but I know you're smart enough to figure it out when the need arises."

"I don't have time for games," Orion growled, but the heat had left his voice.

"Lavish gifts might work," Chance mused, his eyes twinkling. "But honestly? Just listening to her might go further. Get to know her. Let her get to know you—the real you, not just the intimidating king. And if all else fails..." He clapped Orion on the shoulder. "There's always the lure of power and status."

Orion's gaze found Seraphina again across the room. The candlelight caught in her raven hair, illuminating the delicate curve of her neck as she laughed at something Macie said. Something unnamed and ancient stirred in his chest.