Alec
Inside the Council chamber, I sat at the head of the table, my fingers steepled. Around me, there were Alphas from North discussing border taxes and the 'unfortunate' decline of the southern silver mines.
I didn't care about the mines. I cared about the fact that every Alpha at this table was looking for a weakness in my armor.
"The crescent pack's lands are fertile, Alec," Alpha Thorne said. He meant Skylar's pack. "But their defenses are pathetic. If you don't move your guards in soon, the rogues will take more than just a few sheep. They'll take the territory. Unless, of course, your new bride is... distracting you."
I looked at him and the entire room went still. I felt Ivan, my Beta, shift slightly behind my right shoulder. Ivan was a man of few words and even fewer mercies. I could feel his hackles rising, his hand twitching toward the dagger at his belt.
I didn't move. I didn't even blink. I just let the silence stretch until Thorne started to sweat.
