The peace lasted two weeks.
Lyra and Kael fell into a rhythm. Mornings on the beach. Afternoons in the house, reading or talking or simply existing in the same space. Evenings on the widow's walk, watching the sun set over the Pacific. Their fathers came and went—Cassius returning to Portland to manage Council affairs, Aldric doing the same with the pack.
Then the letter arrived.
It was addressed to Lyra, delivered by a Council courier who found the house on the cliff. The seal was Lord Valerius's—Marcus's father.
"Lyra Silvanus,
It has come to my attention that you have been spending considerable time at your family's coastal property. I understand the appeal of solitude. However, I must remind you that your presence is expected at the Council gathering in Vancouver next month. Your father has been... evasive about your availability. I hope this is not a sign of reluctance regarding the arrangement between our families.
Marcus speaks highly of you. I would hate to think his regard is misplaced.
With respect,
Lord Valerius"
Lyra read the letter three times. The threat was barely veiled. His regard is misplaced. If she refused Marcus, the Valerius family would become an enemy. Her father's position on the Council would be compromised. The fragile peace she'd found on the coast would shatter.
Kael found her in the study, the letter in her hands.
"What is it?"
She handed it to him. He read it, his expression darkening.
"He can't force you," Kael said.
"He can make things very difficult. For my father. For us."
"Then we deal with it. Together."
"How? We can't exactly announce that I'm refusing his son because I'm in love with a wolf."
The words hung in the air. In love. She hadn't said it before. Neither had he.
Kael set the letter down and took her hands. "You're in love with a wolf."
"Apparently."
"Good. Because I'm in love with a vampire."
She laughed—a real laugh, surprising herself. "We're ridiculous."
"Completely."
He kissed her. It wasn't their first kiss—that had been on the widow's walk, three nights ago, tentative and wondering. This was different. Certain. A declaration.
When they broke apart, Lyra's heart was beating faster than it had in a century.
"We figure this out," Kael said. "Whatever it takes."
"Whatever it takes."