Annie's POV:
"Jasper."
Alexander's voice came from behind me, quiet and final. The moment broke like a dropped cup. The fire was still crackling. The pack was still singing. But the small circle around us had gone quiet, the way a room goes quiet when someone important walks in.
Jasper turned. The red was still on his neck. "Alexander."
"The border reports. We need to go over them before we march." Alexander didn't look at me. He looked at Jasper; his voice was the Alpha's voice, flat and official. "Now."
"Now?" Jasper's voice came out a little rough. "It's the bonfire. The reports can wait until morning."
"They can't." Alexander's voice didn't change. "We ride at dawn."
Jasper looked at me. The question was still in his face, unanswered. I saw him want to ask it again—and saw him d
