Harned instantly began to panic.
It was his son whom Jared was staring at with such unmasked malice. The Alpha's gaze was like a predator's—sharp, locked in place, every flicker of light in his eyes carrying a silent promise of violence. It was almost as though he was already prepared to rip off Bavira's head in the very next second. That sight alone made Harned's blood run cold.
There was no room for thought, no time for strategy. His body acted on pure instinct—the instinct of a father desperate to shield the only child he had in this world.
He stepped directly in front of his son, blocking the Alpha's direct line of sight. His movements were swift, urgent, almost reckless. He knew—he knew—that to put himself physically between Jared and his target was beyond dangerous. It was a grave breach of protocol, an open display of defiance in a pack where the Alpha's will was unquestionable.
But he didn't care.
