ARIEL'S POV

I watched Alpha Viktor walk out of my room, his face tight and unreadable, after I told him I was Rhyder's mate. My heart pounded loudly, as I quietly laid on the bed. What would he do with me now?

I was his half-brother’s mate. And judging by the way Rhyder resented him—and how Viktor had reacted—I didn’t need anyone to tell me the hatred burned on both sides.

Gamma Aeron must’ve told Alpha Viktor I cried on our way to the mall this morning. I didn’t know why he'd do that. Or why Viktor even cared to ask.

I pressed my face into the pillow, but even...