Rowan's Pov

The council hall was full of people. Everyone was dressed in their best clothes. It was supposed to be a happy day, it was a bonding ritual. Alpha Tala from the mountain pack stood near the council table. She looked proud and strong, she was wearing a white dress. The old council members were smiling, they thought they had won. They thought I would go along with their plan.

I stood at the front of the room. I was wearing my Alpha ceremonial clothes. They felt heavy on my shoulders. I looked at the crowd, and I saw Ayla. She was standing near the back. Her face was...