Cara’s POV
Melinda seems stricken by Alaric’s words.
“The elders prefer me for you,” she says. “You heard it from them yourself. How can you continue to be so stubborn?”
“The elders will not be making my life choices for me, especially not in board rooms without me even being present. And for you to show up here and try to purposefully disrupt the potential future I want with Cara? I don’t even know you, Melinda. I’ve barely seen you outside of some high society events. Who do you think you are?”
Melinda’s face scrunches up with annoyance, even as he posture straightens with defiance. “I am perfect for you. The elders said so!”
“Though the elders hold sway, they do not hold infallible power, especially not over me,” Alaric replies. “I am Alpha King, and I choose who I get to love. And
