Kade nodded. "Or get rid of you completely. Either a rival Alpha who's jealous… or afraid."
Lucas's jaw ticked. "Cowardice," he spat. "If they want a fight, they should come face me."
"They want to turn your own people against you. And with the council's invitation, it's the perfect setup."
Lucas stood now, moving to the window, staring out into the courtyard.
"Protect the Luna…" was all he said.
"With all due respect, Alpha," Kade said, jaw tight, "you are the one we need to focus on right now."
Lucas slowly turned from the window, the fading sunlight casting long shadows across the room. His blue eyes, so often calm and calculating, now burned with a wild, furious devotion.
"If I'm the target," he growled, "then Ava is in danger too. By association." the mask of alpha steel faltered just long enough for Kade to catch it. "I am not going to lose her again, Kade. Do you understand me? I'd rather walk into hell with open arms and a welcome banner than let that happen."
