POV: Xavier

The cell door burst open before dawn. I was already awake, holding Thelma as she slept fitfully against my chest. The mate bond hummed with her troubled dreams, and I'd spent the night sending calm through our connection, trying to give her peace even in this prison.

"Get up." My father's voice was ice cold. Alpha Damien stood in the doorway, power radiating from him in waves that made my wolf whimper. Behind him, Beta Marcus and six guards formed a wall of muscle and authority.

Thelma jerked awake, immediately tensing. I felt her fear spike through the bond.

"Father," I said carefully, easing Thelma behind me as...