Chapter 62. Hardened by Pain

It took every ounce of self-control I possessed to keep from dropping to the floor in submission and baring my throat. The instinct to yield, to show deference by exposing the most vulnerable part of my body, was nearly overwhelming—and I loathed myself for feeling it. But I refused to let him see that. I straightened, squared my shoulders, and drew in a steadying breath.

He hadn’t needed to roar or bare those teeth. His simple, measured display of power was enough to send a ripple through the room. I wasn’t the only one shaken—several of the lesser wolves around me shifted uneasily, fidgeting and scratching at their ears. I even caught the faint whine of fear from a young she-wolf near the back. I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced my gaze forward, reminding myself that he’d done it all for my benefit… or so I told myself.

Up ahead, Alpha Wilder of the Desert Pack and Alpha Griffin of the Mistwood Pack were already seated on their respective couches. The arrang