Flesh and Betrayal

**Garrick’s POV**

I knew deep in my bones that I had to formally reject Valerica today, but it was absolutely not an easy choice. Making that decision tore at the very foundation of my pride. I still vividly remembered the golden winter sunlight pouring over her delicate silver hair when we first met at a northern gathering of Alpha heirs. She stood near the window of the summit lodge, radiant an