Raymond was seated at his desk, sifting through a stack of documents, when a soft knock interrupted his focus. He raised his head, irritation flickering across his face. He wasn’t expecting anyone today, and the Council meeting was still a week away. What could this be?

“Come in,” he called.

The door opened to reveal Madame Dolores. She shut the door behind her and gave a small courtesy. “Alpha Raymond. Sorry to disturb your quiet time, but some members of the Council are here to see you.”

Raymond’s brows knitted together. What could they possibly want today? he wondered. They had no reason to be here, and the fact that...