Every warrior from both Nikolai’s pack and Gerald’s and Joefrey’s packs drew their weapons at Nikolai’s threat. Steel cleared leather in a rush of sound that filled the clearing with the promise of violence. The Alphas themselves didn’t reach for any weapon, they just watched Nikolai with expressions that ranged from irritation to cold assessment, waiting to see how far he’d actually push this.
Gerald then laughed and the sound of his laughter held genuine amusement mixed with something darker. “I never really did like you, Vale,” he said with his red eyes gleaming at the possibility of violence.
Lyralei stood there feeling frustrated beyond measure because they kept talking about her like she didn’t matter, like she wasn’t even standing right there listening to every word they said. But
