Dravina POV
The more I thought about it, the more it all made sense painfully so. I was convenient. A woman already mated. A woman who wouldn’t ask for a future or demand permanence. With me, Malrik could have closeness without the burden of commitment, and for someone like him trapped in politics and legacy that was easier.
I understood. But that didn’t make it hurt any less.
A sharp ache flared beneath my ribs, and I blinked rapidly, willing the tears to stay buried. I stood frozen in the corridor, caught between the desire to walk away and the need to confront whatever lay behind those doors.
“I’ll be taking this matter to the Alpha Council,” came a furious voice from inside deep, brittle with rage. “Just because you’re the Regional Alpha doesn’t make you untouchable. Our laws apply
