Ares skulked away from the meeting, beckoning Dwyn to follow. He had rolled his eyes when Kublai had swooped in to claim Lova; he hadn’t protested. She wasn’t really much to him, after all.
Dwyn, though, was enchanting. As an albino, she was captivating. Ares had an eye for albinism. And her tough attitude made him want to win her over, whether by force or charm.
“Hello, Dwyn. I am Ares,” he spoke. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I assume you at least know of me?” He studied her as he said this. She looked miffed. In addition to that, she also looked reluctant if he wasn’t reading her face wrong. Maybe he was. At any rate, she was his, and he’d pulverize any male who dared try to claim her for himself.
It was quite interesting, her sister Cascade was unclaimed still. He’d thought about claiming her, too-albino lasses were quite beautiful. But then no, he’d decided he’d rather take it one at a time if he were to claim any more ladies. He was sure there’d be more.
His time with Beartooth had molded him into a true Dane. Ares was transformed from a shy teen into a strong fighter. In addition, he could now claim women! It was a thrill for him. Finally, he had time and an opportunity. And it had landed him the king’s granddaughter. Beartooth was a figure he looked up to immensely. To Ares he was like an idol. No, he was an idol. He hoped the king was proud of him. If not, he’d just have to make him proud. Maybe Dwyn was the way to that.

“Somewhere another pretty vein just . . . dies!”