Kael's POV.
I stood by the window in the cabin on the Eastern Island, my heart pounding, my fists clenching, the air sharp through the open shutters.
Brian's words hit me hard, "The elders heard about Elijah's situation. They're demanding your presence." My jaw tightened, my side throbbing under the bandage, but my anger was hotter, my wolf, Zeus, growling, his rage sharp.
The elders knew about Elijah's death, his betrayal, the fire he set in my packhouse, and now they wanted me to face them, to answer for it.
My chest heaved, my eyes burning, my mind spinning with Sonia's tears, Liam's laughter, their safety in my hands.
I wanted to refuse, to stay here, to protect them from the pack's judgment, but a small voice broke my thoughts.
"Big brother?" Liam said, his voice soft, his brown eyes big, his curls messy as he walked to me, his small hand tugging my pants.
