Elder Elias sat in his favorite armchair, a heavy, dark-stained rocker by the window. His gaze was fixed on the trees outside, but his thoughts were miles away, locked on a problem he was growing tired of: Alpha Raymond.

This stupid young Alpha had defied him at every turn, scattering his carefully laid plans. Raymond’s stubbornness had been an inconvenience, but now it was becoming a threat. The last Council meeting two days ago was perfect proof of this.

Elias let out a low growl, fingers tapping against the armrest. He knew Raymond didn’t want to marry his daughter, Freya, but he honestly didn’t care. The only thing that mattered...