Alicia drew in a slow breath, trying to steady the tremor beneath her skin. Her power was still humming, quiet now, but alive, awake, watching. She lifted her chin.
“I will speak to each of you,” she said. “Separately.”
Four Alpha wolves reacted at once, anger, possessiveness, relief, and jealousy flashing across their faces like lightning.
“But,” she added, voice steadier than she felt, “my decision will not be rushed. And it will not be forced.”
Ethan bowed his head first, tight, controlled.
Brodrick followed, gritting his teeth.
Caelan’s nod was reluctant, dangerous.
Logan’s was stiff, defiant… but he still did it.
Victoria clapped her hands once.
“Perfect. One at a time. Ten minutes each. No bloodshed.”
“Make it twenty,” Caelan growled.
“Make it five,” Ethan snapped back.
“
