Cora
I stood behind the velvet curtain, clutching the notecards in my hands, though I already knew every word by heart. My palms were damp, my heart pounding with a rhythm that rivaled a war drum.
On the other side of the curtain, I could hear the murmuring crowd of reporters, council members, ambassadors from neighboring packs, hybrid envoys, and even a few human officials.
Werewolves, hybrids, humans. All gathered in one room. All waiting to see me.
I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t sure I ever would be.
“Hey.”
I turned at the sound of Kingston’s voice. He crossed the room in three long strides, his presence wrapping around me like a shield. He looked like a true Alpha King in his black suit with a Silverfang crest on his lapel. As always, he held the quiet authority of a man used to co
