Ryker stood in his hotel room with his phone pressed to his ear and knew he was about to lose everything if he couldn't find the right words.
"It's complicated because the elders have legitimate concerns about an alpha heir being raised outside pack influence," he said carefully. "But that doesn't mean they get to dictate terms."
"So you're saying they do have some authority over Kade," Kyra said, her voice breaking. "You're saying I can't actually protect him from this."
"I'm saying I need time to navigate pack politics," Ryker said. "But I promise you, Kyra, I won't let them take him from you."
"Your promises don't mean anything," Kyra said coldly. "You promised to let me go six years ago and look where we are."
The words hit like a physical blow. "That contract was the worst decisi
