Book excerpt: New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her extraordinary Psy-Changeling world with a story of wild passion and darkest betrayal... At a time when the fledgling Trinity Accord seeks to unite a divided world, Silver Mercant plays a crucial role as director of a worldwide emergency response network. Wildness and chaos are the last things she needs in her life. But that’s exactly what Valentin Nikolaev, alpha of the StoneWater bears, brings with him. Though Silver is ruled by Silence—her mind clear of all emotion—Valentin senses a whisper of fire around her. And after a shadow assassin almost succeeds in poisoning Silver, Valentin will do anything to keep her safe...even take her into the heart of a powerful bear clan. Her would-be assassin has no idea what their poison has unleashed...