“It’s all right, Alpha Baron.” she said, forcing her voice steady. “Please… let the Alpha speak.”

Baron’s eyes snapped to hers—sharp, questioning.

Something in them burned, but he said nothing.

He stepped back slowly, his jaw tight, reins snapping taut in his grip.

If the gesture was meant to be deferential, it wasn’t.

Every line of his body screamed indignant.

Haspan moved into the space without hesitation, the air carrying his scent forward in a heavy wave. He ...