Kaelan swore under his breath. "If Torvin sees you, he will report our unconventional methods and use the Mate-Contract against me."
He grabbed Anya's arm, pulling her toward the suite door. "Alpha Command: Go into the bedroom and stay silent until I call you."
Anya, recognizing the political threat, didn't fight the command this time. The compliance was instant. She slipped into the suite just as Zara entered with Elder Torvin—a sleek, silver-haired Lycan whose eyes held cold, assessing menace.
"Alpha," Torvin purred, scanning the blood-splattered office. "Significant casualties. Where is your new Mate? I trust she is adjusting to her duties?"
"She is adjusting," Kaelan stated, his voice tight, standing directly in front of the suite door. "She is currently resting, recovering from the emotional distress of the attack."
Torvin smiled thinly. "Emotional distress? She's human, Alpha. Perhaps the Mate-Contract was a political liability rather than an asset."
Kaelan stepped forward, crowding the Elder. "My choices are not up for review, Torvin. I claimed an asset vital to the Pack's survival. Now, tell me why you are defending a potential Hybrid traitor."
Anya, listening through the thick door, realized Torvin was not just suspicious; he was running interference for Silas. She had to do something.