Chapter 116

Khelt stepped closer to her, raising his hand aggressively. Netya tried to hold him back, but he shook her off with impatience. Even she was no longer enough to soothe his anger toward Adel. The den mother held her ground, meeting his gaze without blinking, even as the snow clung to her eyelashes.

“This is my final warning, Adel,” Khelt said. “You will mind your place, and you will listen to your alpha.”

“Alpha,” Adel hissed. “No man who has ever called himself that has done anything to earn my respect. You are savages, all of you.”

Khelt lashed out, striking her across the face. A cry escaped Netya’s lips, but the moment she darted forward the alpha’s furious voice halted her.

“Stay back, Netya! You have no place in this.”

The blow staggered Adel, but she held her ground. Clenching her jaw tight, she drew herself back up to face Khelt.

“Touch me again, and I will make sure your hand never strikes another woman.”

“Please,” Netya said, tears