He sensed her the way one senses lightning before it strikes: a certain sexual charge crackling in the air that combed electric fingers through his bone-pale fur. Kershov did not turn to watch the espresso-pelted murderess prance regally up to her territory, but he did allow a sly smirk to tug at the handsome half of his muzzle. “Queens,” his voice rumbled in welcome. When Ker finally flicked his onyx stare toward the infamous Alphess of Malignant, the subtle smile widened into a true grin. She looked as drop-dead-gorgeous as ever—no, really drop-dead. The winter monster yearned for and respected Queens on a level that had never before been shared with any she-wolf on the planet . . . and he probably never would experience this odd tangled emotion again, despite the fact he was now suitably mated to a pythoness named Scarlet Nights. Queens was just so . . . unique. Her cunning, manipulative, brilliant nature so perfectly complimented Kershov’s own that he could not imagine existence without her.

Not that he’d ever admit such a thing willingly. Kershov liked to play his cards close to his frozen chest. “My, so quick to cut to the chase. Can’t an old friend just say hello every once and a while?” The deceptively innocent giggle that trilled from Queens’ silken throat teased a primal, basic urge within the polar beast. His oil slick eyes narrowed, visually devouring the way that simple laugh sent minute, complex tremors throughout the lady’s excellent frame, causing her dark coat to ripple richly across the delicious musculature he knew so well.

Unfortunately, Ker did not have time to be distracted. His deal with Saw Tooth took priority over any dalliance he dearly wanted with this perilous creature. With a low sigh Kershov dropped his pleased smile in favor of a colder façade, trying to appeal to the Ruler side of Queens, the mutual deference they shared for one another. “You’re right. As much as it would be worth every breath and step across the terra to simply glimpse you, I have business to take care of.” He made no move to get closer, yet his tones deepened, attempting to reach her ears alone. “I’ve come to take one of our pups, Queens. And Kavik here is not the one I want.”