Chapter 43

Knox's POV I ran my hand along the sleek curves of my Audi R8, the matte black finish cool beneath my fingers. The car was my one real indulgence—besides my extensive book collection—and today it felt especially appropriate. Everything had to be perfect for Aubrey's introduction to the council. "Seriously?" Noah's amused voice carried across the driveway. He and Logan approached, both dressed in their council attire—charcoal suits that did nothing to hide their warrior builds. "The R8? Someone's trying to impress his mate." I shot him a look that would have made lesser wolves cower, but Noah just grinned wider. "Don't you have your own mate to annoy?" "Sarah's meeting us there," Logan chimed in, adjusting his tie. "And Noah's right—you're pulling out all the stops today." They weren't wrong. I wanted everything to be flawless—from the car, to the timing, to the ring. My hand instinctively moved to pat my pocket, feeling the small velvet box tucked safely inside. The platinum band held