Book excerpt: Ivar is a male full of secrets, willing to lie and deceive to carry out his alpha's orders. Sent to Cider Falls to pave the way for his alpha's takeover, he quickly realizes what an amazing place it is. Falcon shifter Cymbre was exiled from her nest after refusing to take a mate. When she meets Ivar, a gravely injured gryphon, she knows he’s her truemate, but he's the most guarded male she’s ever met, rejecting any connection with her. For the first time, Ivar feels torn. His loyalty to his alpha conflicts with his growing feelings for Cymbre. Staying with her means losing his pack, but following his alpha's orders means losing his mate. When he's faced with an impossible choice, will Ivar choose his alpha and loyalty or Cymbre and love?