*Kael's POV*
Irritation crawled under my skin like a living thing. The witch exerted an unnatural influence over my men, and I didn't like it one bit.
My gaze tracked Sera as she confronted Liam, her small hand still fisted in his collar. The pup's face had gone pale, his eyes wide with fear. Good. He should fear those more powerful than him.
"I asked you a question." Sera's voice cut through the tension. "Where's your loyalty at?"
Liam swallowed hard. "I'm loyal to..."
My muscles tensed, anticipating his answer. If he said Julian, I'd rip his throat out where he stood.
"I'm loyal to Hazel," he stammered.
A possessive growl tore from my throat before I could stop it. Mine. Hazel was mine. No one else had claim to her loyalty—and certainly no male from her former pack.
Liam's eyes darted to me, terror flashing across his face. Smart pup.
"I mean—" he quickly corrected, "I'm loyal to whatever keeps her safe."
Better. Still not ideal, but better.
