Aria’s POV
The howls are close.
Too close.
“West garden,” Ryker barks, already moving. “Three rogues. Maybe four. They’re not here for the King.
“They’re here for the pups.”
Ice. In my veins.
Kade makes a sound. Small. Scared. Kai moves in front of him instantly, baby teeth bared, silver already flickering in his eyes again.
“No,” I snap. To Kai. To my five-year-old son who shifted once and thinks he’s invincible now. “You are not fighting.”
“Mommy—”
“Kai Blackwood. Doctor’s orders. You sit. You guard your brother. You do not shift again today or you’ll seize. Do you understand me?”
ER Voice. Mom Voice. Alpha Voice, and I don’t even have a wolf.
Kai freezes. Then nods. Sharp. Once. “Yes, Mommy.”
He drops to the floor. Pulls Kade into his lap. Wraps his a
