Chapter 13

Aria

I vaguely recognize her as Soren, one of the unmated females who's been vying for Elijah's attention since long before I arrived. The jealousy radiating from her is almost palpable, envy souring her crisp pine scent.

"Excuse me?" I grit out, hackles rising at her antagonistic tone.

Soren steps closer, invading my personal space in a blatant challenge. "You heard me. What did you do to convince Elijah to let you stay? Bat your lashes and spread your legs like a good little she-wolf?"

Rage ignites in my veins, white-hot and searing. How dare she imply something so crass, so demeaning? As if the only value I could possibly offer is as a sexual plaything.

My wolf snarls within me, begging to be let loose on this impudent female. To put her in her place and assert our dominance. But I tamp down on the urge, knowing violence will only escalate the situation.

"I earned my place here, just like everyone else," I reply instead, injecting steel into my tone. "Not that it's any of your