Page 22 of Jace's Mate

But wolf biology didn’t care about what hewanted.

The moment he’d scented her, the bond had locked in.She was his.The only one who could stir his blood now.The only one who would ever matter.And she’d feel it too—whether she was ready or not.

There was no way around it.For Alphas, mating wasn’t just instinct.It was power.It was destiny.The bond would make them both stronger.She would rise beside him, ruling the pack by his side.

Still, the timing wasawful.His pack was already at risk.His people were on edge.And now… this.

He wouldn’t let her destroy what he’d built.If she was a rogue—if she was part of what was coming—then Jace would do what he had to do.

No matter how much it tore him apart.

He turned to go.

“Jace, wait,” Sorcia called.

He froze.So did Viktor.

They both turned as Sorcia closed her eyes again.For a long, suspended breath, she didn’t move.

Jace’s entire body tensed.Waiting.

She opened her eyes and smiled—actuallysmiled.

“You’re fine,” she said softly.“Whoever she is—your mate—she’s not part of the threat.”

“What?”Jace growled, his gut twisting with dread.“How do you know?”

Sorcia’s smile was maddening—eyes bright with mischief while her damned orb swung back and forth on its pedestal.“Oh, Iknow.”

She lounged back, legs crossed, wrists draped over her knee like she had all the time in the world.“It’s going to be interesting,” she added with a wink.“But she’s not evil.”

“She’s good?”he asked, teeth clenched.

Sorcia laughed, light and amused.

Viktor grumbled beside him—a low, grating sound of male irritation—and Jace took it as a small comfort.If Sorcia was laughing, it couldn’t be all bad.

The witch waved a hand lazily.“Good?I wouldn’t go that far.”Her grin widened.“Let’s just say… she’s going to keep you on your toes.”

Jace exhaled sharply, jaw tight.

“Just enjoy the challenge,” Sorcia said, standing and smoothing her slacks.The mischief faded from her expression.“But jokes aside, somethingiswrong.There’s a shift in the sphaera.You both feel it too, don’t you?”

“I was hoping you couldseesomething,” Viktor muttered.

Sorcia shook her head, her tone more serious now.“No visions.Nothing solid.Just the weight of change pressing against the air.”She paused, thoughtful.“There’s… a pressure building.But the path forward is hidden.”

Viktor turned away, frustrated.“Then I need to question my clan.If this is coming from within, I’ll root it out myself.”

Sorcia flinched.“You always say things like that—‘question your clan,’ ‘root it out.’But what you really mean isinterrogateanddestroy.”He gave a dry chuckle, lifting a shoulder slightly.

Jace stepped between them, voice low and clipped.“Focus.Winter’s coming, and if this is tied to seasonal shifts, then we don’t have time.”

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration simmering under the surface.“The ships attacked today were manned by some of my strongest fighters.If whoever did this moves on the weaker crews, they’ll fall fast.I’m not letting anyone fracture this territory—not now.”

“Agreed,” Viktor said, all steel and resolution.

Sorcia nodded.“Then we act.Now.”