The accusation hung in the air, ugly and deliberate. Sierra snarled, pushing against my control, demanding to be let out to defend our mate bond. I forced myself to breathe, to stay calm.
"Our mating had nothing to do with politics," I said, proud of how steady my voice remained. "Christian and I are true mates. Sierra recognised Leon immediately."
My mother made a small, dismissive sound. "Lycans can be influenced, Lola. Especially ones that have been... indulged as yours has been. Your father and I have always said you give Sierra too much freedom, too much voice."
"And there it is," I murmured, setting down my own teacup with a gentle click that somehow felt louder than if I'd slammed it. "The real issue. You've never respected my bond with Sierra, never understood that she's not jus
