MAEVE POV
The entire dining hall seemed to lose all its air. Hundreds of pairs of eyes turned toward us—toward Alaric, who was gripping my shoulder as if I were his personal property, and toward me, who had just been ordered to stay in the Law Enforcer’s room.
My blood began to boil instantly. Not only because of Alaric’s audacity to command and threaten me, but because he did it in front of everyone.
If I agreed, then “Reeve Nightwhisper” would be branded as a cowardly Alpha who needed protection day and night. My struggle here would end in vain—not because my identity was exposed, but because I would lose my dignity as a future leader. And my disguise could unravel quickly.
“Let go of me, Alaric,” my voice came out low, sharp, and trembling with anger that was no longer pretending.
