Ayla’s Pov

Later that day, I stood outside the council room, with my ear flat against the door. Rowan had told me to wait in his office, but I don’t do what I’m told anymore. The elders were talking so loud that every word came through clearly.

“If he claims that rejected Omega now, the Red Ridge alliance is finished,” Elder Thomas said. “Their Alpha already thinks Rowan is weak because he let her walk back in here. One bite, and we lose half our fighters.”

Elder Maura added her voice. “He almost shifted in front of everyone at the gathering. He can’t lead if his wolf only listens to...