Liam’s POV
“No!!” I roared, reeling back, my stare drilling into Ava. “What the hell is this insane request, Beta Steve?” My voice came out a savage growl, thick with shock.
Steve shot a sly look at Ava before meeting my eyes again. “It’s for the pack’s survival, Alpha. You’ve got to trust me.” His tone was oily, almost challenging.
I snarled, closing in until we were nose-to-nose. Leaning in, claws unsheathed and gleaming, I hissed near his ear, “Steve, warrior to warrior—what’s this disgusting plot?”
“It’s for the greater good, brother,” Steve murmured back, his own claws flashing in the low light. “For all our damn sakes.” His words oozed smug confidence.
“Liam, please, just listen!” Ava begged, her voice quivering with urgency.
“You listen to yourself!” I thundered, staggering
