Marcus's point of view

The air was thick with anticipation, the silence in the council chamber oppressive. I stood at the head of the long oak table, my palms resting against its polished top, as the elders began to file in. There had always been power plays in the room, but today was different. Today, the stakes were personal.

I had made it crystal clear to Edith that her presence was non negotiable. She was too afraid to say no. Not when I said it involves the stability of the pack itself, her carefully cultivated position, and the Steele name were all on the line.

I could feel it the...