Orion sped into the vast forest, chasing the seductive scent of his mate. When he finally spotted the black pickup truck through the trees, he transformed into his human form. Ares, his dark eyes twinkling with rage, strode purposefully toward where Nick stood beside Gina, watching him touch her, anger burning in his veins as his hands clenched into clenched fists.

Helen, seeing the arrival of Ares and the energy emanating from his countenance, understood at once that the situation had completely spiraled out of control. Quietly, feeling that it was best for his own safety, he cautiously stepped back and stepped into the density of the forest, fading into the thicket like a shadow in the night.

Nick turned sharply at the sound of a voice echoing in the room, and his face twitched with rage as he met Ares.

"Whoa, whoa, who do we have here?" The Queen's Gamma," Nick snapped, his tone hostile.

A defiant laugh echoed in the air. Ares, in a harsh, determined voice, answered.

"You haven't un