Chapter 142

"No."

"Alpha—"

"I said no," Rowan repeated, his tone final. But the elder pressed on, his words chosen with care, weaving guilt and obligation into every syllable.

He spoke of the pack’s fears, the uncertainty, the need for an image of strength. He spoke of sacrifices leaders must make, even at the cost of their own wants.

Rowan’s patience thinned until it was nearly gone. He almost told them both to get out, to take their polished smiles and careful schemes elsewhere.

But Selene’s eyes were wide and expectant, and the elder was watching him like a man who knew how to push exactly the right buttons. Finally,...