Book excerpt: Kenneth Knight has an ultimatum: either find a date for the Valentine Ball and fulfill his obligation to the clan or forfeit his grandfather’s inheritance. It’s time to call an emergency meeting of his friends. What is he supposed to do when the Valentine’s Ball means declaring his undying love for a mate that left him? Alex Heath left Ether City years ago. It was easier to run away than face the truth in his heart: he’s in love with Ken Knight. But they stayed in touch, and Alex has grown into some courage, so it’s time to come home. He’s just in time to attend the Valentine Ball, but he promises Ken that he doesn’t expect his hand in marriage at the end of it. They can attend as friends, even though Alex years for more. But the Heath family is unknown in the elite circles the Knight clan runs in, which makes Alex an unsuitable match for Kenneth. He’ll have to face his mother at the ball and choose between the inheritance or a chance at real love. As long as Alex is brave enough to say what’s in his heart.