The room went silent.
The Alpha’s eyes remained fixed on Derek. I felt my arms tighten around him until my shoulders ached. The air itself seemed heavier, as if the entire council held its breath with me.
Finally he leaned back in his chair. “Everyone, leave.”
The wolves around the table looked at one another. “Alpha—”
“I said leave.”
No one argued. Chairs scraped against the wooden floor as the council members rose. The warriors opened the doors, and within moments the long room stood empty except for the four of us and the man at the head of the table.
The Alpha looked at us again.
“Close the door.”
One of the guards shut it from the outside. The sound of the latch was soft, final.
He pointed to the chairs. “Sit.”
Lydia and Mara sat first. I remained standing, Derek still press
