Chapter 9

Sylvia’s POV

"Stop!" Raven's voice cracked like thunder across the courtyard, interrupting my mate's rejection.

His Alpha command vibrated through our weakening bond, making my wolf whimper despite her determination. "What do you think you're doing?"

A laugh bubbled up from my chest—hollow, broken, almost hysterical. The sound seemed to startle even him, his arm tightening instinctively around Astrid's waist. The sight of that protective gesture only fueled my bitter amusement.

"What am I doing? That's really what you want to ask me right now?" I let my eyes drift pointedly to where his arm curled around Astrid.

"Maybe I should be asking what you're doing, Raven. About your dead beta, perhaps? About what you did with his mate before he died? About the child you wished was yours?"

The color drained from his face so quickly I might have worried if I had any care left to give. "What are you talking about?" His voice came out weak, uncertain—so different from his usual Alpha authority.

"