Patricia Briggs has a talent for writing characters who seem realistic, even if the setting is other worldy.

Hunting Ground is the second book in her Alpha & Omega series. A spin off of her popular Mercy Thompson novels, we are taken deeper into the world of werewolves than ever before.

Previously in Cry Wolf, we met Anna. In her early 20's, she was forced to the Change and suffers for years before 200 year old Charles Cornick meets her. She is saved and, it turns out, so is he. Charles is only second to his father in power and dominance. Under his cold facade, he has a raging beast. And Anna is Beauty to his beast. Or should I say "music." As an Omega wolf, she soothes him in a way that he has never experienced in all his long life.

The second novel focuses on a conference of Alpha European werewolf leaders. Charles' father, the Marrok, is leader of the North American werewolves. With the advent of so much forensic technology, he decides that they have to come out to the public before someone else outs them.

Charles, being the Marrok's second, comes to represent his father. When violence and murder mar the conference, Charles and Anna find themselves embroiled in a plot that may be the death of them.

I think Anna and Charles are just so cute. Charles has lived for centuries as his father's enforcer. His love for Anna is just sweet as he juggles his new emotional vulnerability with his need to protect her.

And Anna is emerging as a strong woman as she gains more confidence in herself and begins to work out her psychological trauma.

There are great character moments in this novel as well as a pretty satisfying ending. Her mix of humor, mystery, and fantasy is just right.

Patricia Brigg's ability to build really solid worlds and populate them with characters that have depth. I can't wait to read what happens next.