The guards from the Howling Wolf pack, standing nearby, fought to keep their expressions neutral. They knew better than to scoff at this senile king, who could have their heads with a snap of his fingers.

Yet the way the king belittled everything they had endured made their blood boil. They felt no respect for him—none at all.

Still, their alpha remained silent. Cris gave no indication of anger, not even a flicker of emotion, as if he hadn't heard the king's words ...