Esmond's POV
The voice hit me like a bucket of ice water, smothering my rage.
My grip tightened on Camellia's chin for a solid three seconds before I turned to face Lionel.
He stood there like some damn statue, all rigid posture and radiating that suffocating Alpha energy.
My wolf instantly cowered under his overwhelming aura, forcing me to drop my hold on Camellia.
She scrambled away from me like I carried the plague.
My eyes darted to Lionel, but his gaze stayed locked on Camellia.
That pissed me off. Since when did he get to look at my mate like that?
But arguing with him wasn't an option — not after he'd morphed into this untouchable Alpha powerhouse.
I forced a smirk under his mocking stare. "Just some playful banter between mates."
Lionel didn't even bother responding. He j
