The pack dispersed slowly.
No one spoke. No one met my eyes. They moved like shadows back toward the house and the barracks. Respect but not trust. Not yet.
Rourke was dragged away by two wolves. He did not fight. He just stared at me the whole way. Like he was memorizing my face for later.
That look made my skin crawl.
Darian kept his hand on my back until the last wolf was gone.
You okay he asked.
No I said honestly. But I will be.
He nodded like that was enough.
Victor approached us then. His wrists were red and raw from the rope but he stood straight.
Alpha he said to Darian. We need to talk.
Darian glanced at me.
She stays I said before he could speak. If I am your mate I am part of this.
Victor looked at me for a long second then nodded.
Rourke had loyalists he said. Ten
