Friedrich POV
The van finally screeches to a halt, and my pulse quickens. The enforcers don’t waste any time—one yanks open the doors, letting in the cold night air, sharp and biting against the wolfsbane laced confines.
“Out,” the short one barks, his voice rough like he hasn't had water since forever.
Bertha’s gaze locks onto mine for a split second. It’s a fleeting exchange, but I can read her worry as if she’s practically shouting it. I press my knee against hers as a silent form of reassurance before standing.
“Well,” I mutter, shaking off the grogginess as I step out of the van, boots hitting gravel, “let’s see how welcoming the Council really is. Funny, I always thought I’d be here as an alpha, not a prisoner, but hey—guess I can still call it a win.”
A towering estate looms ah
