POV: Aphrodite
Allegiance is louder than blood.
The ancient presence fades slightly, but doesn't fully disappear. It's still there, watching from somewhere beyond perception. The Nightfang patrol feels it too, their formation wavering as instinct wars with training.
Alpha Thorne shifts back to human form, blood running from multiple wounds. His eyes are wild, caught between rage and something that might be fear. He's faced challenges before, defeated rivals, maintained dominance for decades.
But he's never faced this. Never faced Direwolf power combined with ancient forces stirring in response.
The patrol hesitates, waiting for orders that don't come. The Alpha is frozen, calculating odds and outcomes. Trying to decide if claiming me is worth risking whatever just woke up.
That's when Cassian steps forward publicly, positioning himself between the Alpha and me.
