Sheunched into her prepared speech, extolling the virtues of pure bloodlines and the sacred duty of an Alpha’s mate to uphold pack traditions. As she reached the heart of her message, I gave a subtle nod to Marcus, stationed at the back of the room. My eyes gleamed with anticipation, the muscles in my jaw tightening.


    “An Alpha’s mate must embody grace, strength, and above all, honor,” Elizabeth was saying, her voice swelling with self–importance. “She must-”


    The screen behind her flickered to life, cutting off her words as crystal–clear security footage filled the massive disy. The timestamp showed yesterday’s date, and the location: Sterling Tower Stairwell.


    The crowd gasped collectively as the video showed Elizabeth following Reba into the stairwell, her face twisted with malice. The audio was fragmented but unmistakable:


    “-a human pet-”


    “Elizabeth, you need to calm down-”


    “-Don’t tell me what to do-”


    –


    The footage continued, showing Elizabeth’s partial shift ws extending, eyes glowing as she grabbed Reba and mmed her against the wall. The sickening thud as Reba’s head hit the concrete steps echoed through the ballroom’s perfect acoustics.


    Elizabeth froze mid–sentence, her mouth hanging open as she slowly turned to see what had captured everyone’s


    attention. The color drained from her face, leaving her makeup garish against her pallor.


    I stepped forward, my movement unhurried yetmanding immediate attention. When I spoke, my voice cut through the shocked silence with quiet intensity. “Is this the honor you speak of, Elizabeth? Attacking an unarmed human woman? Is this how the Collins family demonstrates their understanding of an Alpha’s responsibilities?”


    Murmurs rippled through the crowd, phones raised to capture the unfolding drama. Elizabeth stumbled back from


    the podium, herposure shattered.


    ‘I–it’s not–she provoked-” she stammered, looking desperately around the room for support.


    I stepped closer, my height and presence towering over her. “She provoked you?” Each word emerged distinct and dangerous. “A human woman with no wolf, no ws, no enhanced strength – she provoked you into a partial shift. and physical assault?”


    Ronald Collins pushed through the crowd, his face flushed with anger. “Turn that off,” he demanded, gesturing wildly at the technicians. “This is nder! Entrapment!”


    I turned to face him, drawing myself to my full height. The room temperature seemed to drop as I released a fraction of my Alpha presence. My eyes locked onto his, unblinking and dominant. Several nearby wolves lowered


    20:39 Wed, <b>Sep </b><b>24 </b>


    :.


    their heads instinctively, some taking small steps backward.


    41


    “Are you suggesting the footage is fabricated, Ronald?” I asked, my voice deadly quiet, each word precise. “Would you like me to have the security logs verified by the Pack Council? Perhaps they should review your daughter’s actions in light of ourws regarding human–wolf interactions.”


    Ronald faltered, catching the dangerous implication. Attacking humans was strictly forbidden – it risked exposure of our kind and vited the fundamental protections established centuries ago. If formally charged before the Council, Elizabeth could face banishment.


    “This is a private pack matter,” he tried again, his voice less certain, his bodynguage revealing his recognition of his weakened position.


    “Not anymore,” I gestured around the room, where dozens of phones recorded every moment. My hand movement was controlled, authoritative. “Your daughter wanted recognition tonight. Now she has it.”


    Elizabeth had crumpled into tears, her carefully applied makeup streaking down her face as she was escorted away by her mother. The crowd parted for them, some faces showing disgust, others morbid fascination. No one offered support or defense.


    Ronald lingered, his earlier confidence evaporated. “This isn’t over, Sterling. The Collins family has been allied with yours for generations-”


    “And yet your daughter attacked a woman under my protection,” I cut him off, my voice level but carrying a finality that silenced him mid–sentence. “Your daughter wanted to be part of the Sterling family so badly. Now she has the city’s full attention. Congrattions.”


    As they retreated, whispers and camera shes following their disgrace, I stood motionless, surveying the room. A cold satisfaction settled over me, my breathing steady, my posture straight.


    My phone vibrated in my pocket. Marcus: [Reba asking for you.]


    Without another word to the still–buzzing crowd, I made my way to the exit. The charity g would continue without me. My mate needed me, and nothing else mattered now.


    “Raymond, I called as I reached the lobby, my voice clear andmanding. “To the hospital. Now.”


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