At once the soft, luring quality of Svana’s blue eyes went sharp and narrow. “It is unlike you to make such a reference, especially towards myself.”

Shepherd hissed. “Your undiscussed appearance amidst the resistance was unsanctioned.”

At once, Svana moved out of the comfort of his touch. “I am not a child to be corrected, Shepherd. Remember to whom you are speaking.”

Watching Svana in the dark, the shine of moonlight over the perfection of her face, did not bring him peace. Instead he found himself growing aggravated that there had still been no outright mention of Claire. Did she think he didn’t know? That she would keep knowledge from him, purposefully, again… that she would presume not to admit her doings… it did not sit well in his gut. “Equivocation does not suit you. Let us speak plainly on the subject and be done with it.”

The way she stood, with the city backlighting her silhouette, the silken tone of her voice, all of it was to allure. “Can it be that you are displeased with me?”

His large hands came to the lapels of his heavy coat, gripping tightly as he spoke. “The Followers overheard every word of your conversation with Corday, and nothing relevant towards our mission was even pursued. What is it you seek to accomplish in this game? You risk exposing your identity and purpose to chase the scent of my mate.”

“Mate,” she spat the word, revolted. “When I had originally heard of your toy, I figured it was some passing fancy to fill the hours you could not spend with me. Finding her pregnant was staggering enough, but I can hardly believe what that fool downstairs described. You pair-bonded with something so beneath you!”

“You have had many lovers to satisfy your body. I chose to have only one. I could not rightfully keep Claire without bonding. Accepting her as my mate keeps her in my power and in line with the Gods’ plan.” Sucking in an angry breath, Shepherd took a step nearer. “Furthermore, you should take care where you would point that finger. You attempted to produce an heir with Premier Callas!”

It was a rare thing for Svana to display surprise, but it crept into the corners of her expression.

Shepherd did not wait for her to speak. “Did you really believe I was unaware of your attempted conception? I smelled the effect of the drugs on your body. It did not go unnoticed by my Followers, either.”

“It was necessary, Shepherd,” she argued at once, fisting her hands in his shirt. “His genes house a treasure that cannot be lost—immunities, resistance to disease. Why should it have been wasted? What better revenge than to have Premier Callas’ child one day leading our people?”