Avery POV "None other than my daughter, Piper Blackwood.” Father’s words hit me like a slap. I barely heard the rest of his speech, my thoughts crashing into one another in a tangled mess. The room suddenly felt too warm, the air too thick. My fingers curled into fists, my breath shallow as I struggled to keep my expression neutral. Aidan glanced at me, a silent question in his eyes. But he didn’t give me time to react. He turned back to my father, his voice calm and controlled. "That’s an interesting suggestion, Beta Davis," he said smoothly. "But I’ll need to think about it. There are many capable candidates for the role." Father’s smile didn’t waver. "With all due respect, Alpha, Piper is the best choice. I’ve spent years training my daughters, preparing them for their futures. Loo

