I stayed behind the railing, my heart thumping so hard it felt like it would jump out. Down in the foyer, the air was thick with a heavy, bitter smell. It was the scent of the King, and it felt like it was choking me.
Alpha Malikai took another step toward his sons. He was taller than all of them, a wall of muscle and grey hair. He looked like he was made of stone. He didn't look at the house or the guards. He only looked at Alaric, Silas, and Killian.
"I expected better from the Blackwood name," Malikai said. His voice wasn't loud, but it filled every corner of the room. "I expected my sons to lead. Instead, I find you hiding a human girl like a stolen toy."
"She isn't a toy, Father," Silas said. He stepped forward, his face calm but his eyes sharp. "She is the mate we’ve waited for. T
