Agnes I was buried in sketches for the next season’s line when a knock at my office door pulled me from my concentration. I glanced up, surprised to see Elijah standing in the doorway. He hadn’t mentioned stopping by my office today. “This is unexpected,” I said, setting my pencil down. “I thought you were going to be stuck in meetings all day.” Elijah sighed and closed the door behind him. “I was, but then I got news that one of the southern packs is threatening to pull out of a recent trade agreement.” I frowned. “Anyway,” Elijah said, “I need to handle this personally. So I had my schedule cleared and I’m going to make a trip down there to speak with the Alpha in person. Just for a few days,” he added quickly. “Three, maybe four at most. Their territory is about hal

