Aria's POV
Viktor glanced around before stepping closer. "You shouldn't be thanking them."
My brows pulled together. "What?"
"Alpha Damon, Ryder, and Noah." His voice dropped. "They aren't helping you."
I stared at him. "Then what are they doing?"
"They are marginalizing you."
The word made my stomach tighten.
Viktor continued before I could respond. "Think about what happened in there. You presented the plan. You did the work. Yet the moment the room became difficult, Damon stepped in front of you."
"He supported me."
"Exactly." His eyes held mine. "He stood in front of you."
I frowned. "That's what support looks like."
"Is it?" His question lingered. Viktor lowered his voice. "Every time they speak for you, every time they step in to defend your position, what do the others se
