Chapter 9

I turned to her, my jaw tightening.

“No. Elara’s earned this, Celia. She may be young, but she’s steady, reliable. She listens, even when she doesn’t agree. That’s what makes a good Alpha.”

“And yet,” Celia said softly, “you worry.”

I let out a slow breath, my gaze returning to Elara.

“Because I’ve seen this before. Divided loyalties tear packs apart. And it’s not just the young ones looking to Dante. Some of the older wolves—they remember him as the Alpha we could’ve had. They don’t see him as a threat yet, but give it time.”

Celia was quiet for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she stepped closer, lowering her voice.

“Do you think he’s here for her?”