That voice. The one who'd spoken last about Chad becoming the 'big honcho' - I knew it from Helene's memories. Her father, with that same out of style phrasing. One of the two Omegas who'd pushed her toward stronger wolves her entire life, living vicariously through his spirit-bearing daughter's potential and ability to go on pack runs.
But clearly, I don't care about him that much. It was the other elements of what had been said that twisted the pit of my stomach in to the cold shape of a snowflake. And their banter continued, oblivious to my presence or court training that easily parsed what went unsaid to the foolish parent.
"...Besides, your girl's gonna love being the new Alpha's mate, right? Moving up in the world."
"Exactly! Finally, she'll have the status she deserves. Chad promised us he'd bring her back to the pack and complete the bond once he fully takes over."
