Nicholas’s POV
“This is not a laughing matter, Marco.” I snapped at my beta.
Marco leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, that stupid grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as if the whole damn world wasn't crumbling around us. As if the woman I loved hadn't just declared war on me in front of an army that was supposed to be mine.
He chuckled, shaking his head like we were sharing a joke over drinks.
"But come on,” he said, spreading his hands. “You have to admit—this new Hazel is a total badass. First she got the council on her side, then got an army kneeling at her feet in less than twenty-four hours. That's just... wow." He paused, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Maybe next she'll come for your throne."
I shot him a look that should have burned holes through his skull.
He
