A slow sharp pulse of irritation ran through me. "She has a mate?" I was sincerely too blinded by my rage that I hadn't even taken note of her mark.
"Alpha Wes."
My stomach twisted, something dark and volatile coiling deep inside me.
Alpha fucking Wes?
Silver Valley's Alpha?
One of the strongest in the region and an arrogant bastard that. I had never dealt with him personally, but I knew his type. The kind of man who thrived on power plays who never backed down from a fight–not because he was noble, but because he couldn't stand the idea of losing
"They all say you are unfit for the position because you make coexistence difficult for everyone. They need someone who can work with them, strengthen alliances, improve trade-"he paused slightly, then added, "You know how the rest goes." He explained, and I almost laughed.
Coexist?
What a pretty little word. Wrapped up nicely, tied with a bow, meant to sound like diplomacy. But we all know what it really meant.
