"Sera has all the support she needs here," he said firmly.
Thomas's eyes flicked to our joined hands. "The bond is fresh. Give it time. These things either strengthen or shatter under pressure."
"Father"
"I'm simply being realistic, Kade. You're alpha of one of the most powerful packs in the region. Your mate needs to be strong enough to handle that."
His gaze shifted back to me. Pinning me like a butterfly to a board.
"Tell me, Sera. What happened the night Moonvale burned?"
The room went silent.
I could feel everyone's eyes on me. The weight of their attention pressing down like a physical thing.
Kade's hand tightened on mine.
"I survived," I said carefully.
"Yes, but how?" Thomas leaned forward. "The attack was brutal. Coordinated. Everyone died."
"I was in the cellar. My fat
