Kaelan returned quickly, dropping a heavily sealed, older data drive onto the desk—the Clan's genetic archives. He kept his distance, honoring her demand for emotional stability.
Anya worked, her fingers flying over the complex code, trying to filter the Hybrid-Lycan marker from Silas's supposed 'pure-blood' record.
"Why is Silas doing this?" Anya asked, needing context for the code.
"Power," Kaelan replied, leaning against the wall, his guard slightly lowered. "A Hybrid Alpha would be chaos. It's why he hates us all—he's trapped between worlds."
"Like me," Anya murmured, instantly regretting the comparison. She was trapped between the human world and the Lycan world.
Kaelan looked at her, and for the first time, his blue eyes held genuine understanding, not just possession. "You are not a Hybrid, Mate. You are simply mine."
The possessive claim sent a familiar jolt through the bond, but it was less painful now—more of a defining tether.
Suddenly, a knock echoed on the main office door. It was Zara, announcing a Council Elder had arrived, demanding a report on the Hybrid attack.
"Alpha," Zara said through the door comms, "Elder Torvin is here. He is suspicious of the casualties."
Kaelan clenched his jaw. "Torvin is Silas's strongest supporter. He's here to expose my weakness—you."