The scout's words still hung in the hall like smoke. I stood there in the hall with the silver collar still clenched in my fist, the metal biting into my palm. The flutter in my belly kicked hard, like the kid could feel the threat and was already fighting back. The witch's mark on my chest burned so hot I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from gasping.
Darius's arm locked around my waist. Kane's knife was out. Rylan's claws punched through his fingertips again, eyes flashing gold for a second before he forced them back.
I looked at the pack. The crack I'd felt yesterday was wider now. A few wolves wouldn't meet my eyes. The beta who had questioned me thrice already stepped forward, his voice low with uncertainty but carrying.
"My queen… the pups. If we keep fighting, he'll collar the children. Is this worth it?"
The hall went dead quiet.
