"Thank you," Callahan said politely as his goblet was refilled. The servant, a young beta wearing a scent-blocking choker, excused himself, and the alpha's gaze returned to the party.

He hadn't wanted to be here, not really, but an imperial soiree was an important event for all nobles to attend. And this particular event was relevant to House McLeod especially—Callahan's youngest brother, Caellach, had been chosen as an imperial consort. It was important that he be there to represent his prestigious family, especially when the potential for his brother to become first consort meant his family stood to gain a great deal of influence if they played their cards right.

Callahan didn't enjoy these gatherings. He was much more amenable to staying home with his tomes and paperwork, or strolling through the woods, or enjoying a rare dungeon expedition. He missed his youth, at times—the days of proving his valor to the empire by hunting down fiends and beasts. After his marriage and the birth of his pups, he hadn't really been out of the city as much.

He watched with a sense of detachment as his husband—a gorgeous and highly sociable omega named Ferys, with raven hair and violet eyes—mingled with other guests, turning heads and stealing the spotlight. The two had a cordial, but ultimately neutral, relationship. As a duke, Callahan had needed heirs, and as an omega born to a lower-ranked family, Ferys had needed social stability. It had been a mutually beneficial arrangement, and neither of them could complain.

Callahan was content. Well, he thought he was. Until he crossed gazes with another partygoer, sitting at a table across from his. The absolute most beautiful creature the alpha had ever seen. His lips parted slightly in utter awe at the sight—who was this? He'd thought he knew all of the attendants, at least in passing. Someone of his rank had to be familiar with other nobles. How had he never seen this person before?

"Gods above," he murmured. The words "fated mate" crossed his mind, unbidden. He swallowed.