Page 1 of Claws and Effect

PROLOGUE

Gerri Wilder drummed her fingers against the ornate wooden box in her lap, her gaze flickering between the two formidable women seated across from her in the Barclay drawing room. Outside, moonlight bathed the courtyard in silver, the distant fountain providing a soundtrack to their clandestine meeting.

“I must say,” Gerri broke the silence with a mischievous smile, “it’s not often I get to matchmake with the cooperation of not one, buttwomeddling mothers.”

Frances Rubin snorted, her vibrant red dress as bold as her personality. “Meddling? I prefer ‘strategically involved.’“ She reached for her tea, wincing at the heat. “Good lord, Juliette, are you trying to scald us all into submission?”

Juliette Barclay, the epitome of Summit Pride elegance in her tailored pantsuit, arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “A hot drink keeps the conversation flowing, Frances. And heaven knows we need something strong when discussing your son.”

“Zyle is perfectly?—”

“Emotionally unavailable?” Gerri interjected, eyes twinkling. “The man schedules time to breathe, Frances. His assistant probably has to remind him to blink.”

Frances’s lips twitched. “He’s... dedicated.”

“He’s alone,” Juliette said softly, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup. “Just like my Laykin.”

“And they’re perfect for each other,” Gerri said firmly. “I knew it the moment I sensed their auras.”

Frances leaned forward, concern etching lines around her eyes. “But you’re absolutely certain they’re fated mates? They’ve never even properly met.”

“Of course, they haven’t,” Gerri waved dismissively. “Because the universe has a twisted sense of humor. Two fated mates, running in the same elite circles for years, yet never close enough to recognize the bond.”

“Laykin did mention seeing him across the ballroom at the Lunar Council Gala,” Juliette mused. “Said something about feeling strange. She left early with a headache.”

“That wasn’t a headache,” Gerri said knowingly. “That was her mate bond trying to wake up.”

Frances chuckled. “And my brilliant son was probably too buried in his phone to even notice her.”

“Exactly why we need this... arrangement,” Gerri said, tapping the full RSVP box. “Once they’re actually in the same room, forced to look at each other, nature will take its course.”

Juliette sighed. “And you’re sure this engagement party ruse is necessary? Couldn’t we just introduce them at a business meeting?”

Frances nodded at the envelope box. “Too late to change. The RSVPs have already started coming in.” Frances rolled her eyes. “Besides, in a ‘business meeting,’ my son would spend exactly four minutes on pleasantries before excusing himself to take a call. That man has turned avoidance into an art form.”

“Which is precisely why we need something he can’t escape,” Gerri said triumphantly. “An engagement party forhis own engagement.”

Frances huffed. “He’s so busy running Rubin Corp that when I told him the treaty marriage was arranged, he just nodded and asked his assistant to add it to his calendar. Hasn’t even asked who the bride is!”

Gerri’s eyes widened. “He doesn’t know?”

“Not a clue,” Frances confirmed. “I wonder what his face will look like when he realizes it’s his fated mate standing across from him at their engagement party.”

“And Laykin thinks we’re announcing her engagement to save face because of Caroline’s convenient ‘disappearance,’“ Juliette added, making air quotes.

Gerri laughed. “Caroline was never meant to be part of this. I told you both from the beginning—Laykin and Zyle are fated mates. Caroline was just our excuse to make Laykin feel duty-bound to step in.”

“And my darling, responsible daughter fell for it completely,” Juliette said, looking both guilty and satisfied. “She thinks she’s sacrificing herself for the family honor while Caroline enjoys her ‘spiritual retreat’ in Bali.”

“On your dime,” Frances added with a smirk.

“A small price to pay,” Juliette shrugged. “Caroline’s happy being away from matchmaking pressure, and Laykin gets her true mate—even if she doesn’t know it yet.”

“But are you absolutely positive this will work?” Frances pressed, anxiety creeping into her voice. “What if they meet and... nothing happens?”

Gerri placed a reassuring hand on Frances’s arm. “Darling, I’ve been matching shifters for longer than either of you have been alive. When fated mates meet—truly meet, face to face—there’s no mistaking it. All we need to do is get them in the same room, looking at each other instead of past each other.”

“And the treaty?” Juliette asked.

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