Ryker remained completely still. His golden eyes never left Julia's face as he tried to process what she had just confessed.
"...Alpha Jason?"
His voice was quiet, almost disbelieving.
"He was your previous mate?"
Julia nodded slowly.
"Yes."
The single word settled heavily between them. Ryker searched her face, silently hoping she would somehow tell him he had misunderstood. But she didn't. She simply lowered her eyes.
"Three years ago," Julia began softly, "we discovered we were fated mates."
A sad smile touched her lips.
"I had just turned eighteen. Jason had only recently become the Alpha of Silver Fang."
"I thought..." she whispered, "...the Moon Goddess had blessed me."
Ryker tightened his grip around her hand.
Julia continued.
"When Jason found out I was his mate, he was
