Gunnar's POV

Cane had already started moving before any of us could think.

I saw the shift in his body as he prepared to move, his attention locked fully on Ethan. He was ready to rush him without thinking about anything else. At that point, none of us were thinking clearly. Everything had already gone too far. hesitation. 

"Take one more step," a voice cut across the hall, sharp and steady, "and I'll slit her throat, Alpha."

Everything stopped immediately.

Cane froze where he stood. His foot was mid-step, but he did not take it any further.

I turned my head slowly toward the voice, even though the movement made...