~Third Person POV~

Kael stood in the corridor, watching Lucian chase after Alora like some lovesick fool, and clenched his fist hard. The scoff that had escaped him earlier was involuntary, but entirely deserved. This was exactly what he'd been afraid of—exactly what he'd warned the council about.

The mate bond was making Lucian weak.

One moment, the Alpha was scolding her for disobedience, maintaining authority and discipline as a leader should. The next, he was running after her like a ...