HAZEL
My mother's expression shifted. The anger faded slightly, replaced by something closer to skepticism. "What?"
"Just watch me," I repeated. "I don't need Cian Donlon. There are other Alphas. Other opportunities."
But even as I said the words, doubt crept in. My mother's fear was infectious. Her worry about losing Skollrend, about having made a terrible mistake, it was starting to seep into my own thoughts.
What if she was right? What if Cian really was softening toward Fia? What if the welts and the suffering were temporary and he was already starting to care for her?
No. That was impossible. I'd seen his face when he talked about her. Heard the coldness in his voice. He didn't want her. He was stuck with her. There was a difference.
My mother was still watching me with that skeptical expression. "Skollrend is the sixth biggest pack in the world," she said slowly. "Sixth in terms of finance and military strength. Do you understand what that means?"
"Of course I do."
