It was as hot as an oven in the meeting room.

Not because the walls were lined with torches.

Not because of the shouting from the crowd.

but as a result of me.

I was radiating warmth.

from my body. from my skeleton. From my wolf, who lurked inside me with her hair standing on edge and her jaws bared, ready to rip apart anything that tried to take over.

That was just what the council had done.

They were vying for leadership of Michael's pack.

mostly due to his ...