Third Person’s POV


    “Well, it’s not just me!” Ellen added with a grin.


    “Right, of course.” Ulrik gave an awkwardugh and stole a nce at Adide.


    He continued, “Then I’ll organize an evening banquet at Bloodmoon sometime soon and invite all of you to join.”


    “Sounds good.” Ampelio nodded, adding a pointed remark. “I’ll definitely be there, but I wonder if Gamma Adide will do us the honor.”


    Ampelio was currently in a state of “outward submission, inward defiance” toward Adide.


    He deliberately made thatment to put Adide in an awkward spot.


    Adide sat in her chair, narrowing her eyes at the lingering bruises on Ampelio’s face.


    She finally spoke. “Ampelio, for a Deputy Captain of the Royal Guard, yourbat skills are terrible. In a few days, I will personally organize an assessment. All twelvemanders of the Royal Guard must attend. Go notify them.”


    Ampelio bristled. “Are we the only ones being assessed?” he challenged.


    Adide replied coolly, “Every team will be assessed, but we will start with the Royal Guard. Other teams will follow in order, and will conduct random spot–checks at appropriate times.”


    “Why do we have to go first?” Ampelio insisted.


    Adide showed no mercy. “Because I think your skills arecking. If you fail the assessment, you won’t be fit for the Deputy Captain position. I will then select a more capable person to take over.”


    Ampelio argued, “I am perfectly capable of handling the Deputy Captain role! But if you insist onparing me to you, who could possibly measure up?”


    Adide let out a cold snort. “Your skills aren’t as good as mine, and your rank isn’t as high. So why are you constantly trying to stir up trouble? Since you have so much free time, you should focus on improving yourself. I’ll give you three days to prepare. We will meet at the Capital Guard training grounds in three days.”


    Ampelio groaned internally. Facing off against Adide was just asking for a beating.


    And now, all twelve of hismanders would have to suffer with him.


    They were going to despise him. “She–wolves are so petty!”


    After Adide left, Ampelio turned a pleading look toward Ellen. “You two have a good rtionship. Can you go talk to her for me?”


    Ellen deliberately turned his head, looking down his nose. “I’m just a ‘dog.’ I can’t even talk. What makes you think I have the standing to plead your case?”


    He let out a dismissive snort and walked away.


    Ampelio rubbed his nose, grumbling to himself, “Fine, sometimes men are pettier than women.”


    He quickly caught up to Ellen and grabbed his arm, apologizing profusely. “I was just kidding! We’ve known each other for years. Don’t be like that!”


    “Not physically hitting you is me being generous enough,” Ellen said coldly, looking at him. “Let go.”


    “I’m sorry! I really didn’t mean it,” Ampelio quickly exined.


    “I was just annoyed that we were going to be run by a she–wolve. It felt humiliating. I wasn’t trying to pick a fight with you–you were the one assisting her every step of the way!”


    Ellen said icily, “I don’t care if she’s male or female. If she’s more capable than me, I won’t feel slighted. Besides, Lycan Erasmus personally appointed her. Are you resisting her, or are you trying to defy the Lycan King? If you think being a man makes you superior, then beat her and make sure she can’t hold her head up around you–that’s far more effective than standing here spouting nonsense, isn’t it?”


    Seeing his genuine anger, Ampelio sighed helplessly. “It looks like you really are mad at me.”


    “You think you’re the only one who gets to have a temper?” Ellen yanked his arm free and strode away.


    Ampelio returned to the office sheepishly. Seeing Anilo and Ulrik still there, he slumped down into a chair.


    He asked them, “Are you two really okay with her? Anilo, I know you are–you always follow her orders. But Ulrik, are you really okay with her? She’s the one who broke your mating, the one who walked out on you.”


    Anilo shook his head at him, his voiceced with annoyance. “Ampelio, do you physically suffer if you don’t say something obnoxious?”


    “I’m just being honest! I say what I mean instead of ying games. I’ve never been good at those maniptive tactics anyway,” Ampelio countered.


    “Who is ying games with you? Don’t tter yourself. You’re not ‘honest‘–you’re just tactless!” Anilo didn’t want to waste any more breath on him and walked straight out.


    The Royal Patrol had plenty of work to do, and anyone with time to stand around gossiping wasn’t dedicated to their job.


    Now, only Ulrik and Ampelio remained. They exchanged an awkward nce.


    “Don’t take it personally<i>,</i><i>” </i>Ampelio said to Ulrik.


    Gloria was his cousin<i>, </i>and although Ampelio didn’t get along with Tad, they were still family and should <i>stick </i>together. “<i>I </i><i>just </i>said that off the cuff. Don’t pay it any mind. But honestly<i>, </i>I bet deep down, you don’t respect Adide <i>either</i><i>, </i>right?”


    Sara Lili


    <strong>Sara Lili</strong> is a daring romance writer who turns icyndscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of d’s breathtaking cold.