Chapter 96Joe's POV
Ivan didn't flinch. His face remained composed, as calm as ever, but I caught it. The twitch in his jaw. The sharp swallow that betrayed him when my threat lingered in the air. He hid it well, but not from me.
Still, he spoke smoothly, like the words had been waiting at the edge of his tongue.
"Don't trouble yourself, my Alpha," he said, his tone dipped in quiet conviction. "That task belongs to me, in this life and the next. Whoever dares betray you… I swear, on my life, I will drag them before you on this earth, and when their flesh is ash, I'll burn them again in Hades."
The words carried a solemn finality, but I searched his face all the same.
"Can I trust you, Ivan?" My voice came out harsher than I intended. It wasn't just a question, it was a demand, a test.
His gaze met mine without hesitation. "You were born to lead, and I was born to serve. That has always been my purpose. So yes, you can trust me."
