Ryder gave a thoughtful,dismissive nod.“That’s efficient.You won’t have to concern yourself with minor Beta tasks like this anymore,Elara.”
Minor Beta tasks.
Elara's inner wolf—the part of her tied to his Pack—gave a bitter,silent snarl.These so-called‘minor tasks’were the critical summaries she had meticulously filtered from hours of complex Pack Elder discussions,ensuring his Alpha focus remained razor-sharp.
But to him,her intense effort was merely a necessary distraction,not a valuable contribution.
Kai,the new Pack member,nervously presented the meeting notes.Ryder quickly scanned the pages,his powerful Alpha brow furrowing in irritation.
After Kai retreated,Ryder turned to Elara,his expression shifting to one of easy familiarity.“You know my preferences best.The new wolf’s summary is too complicated,lacks the clarity I require.”
He waited for Elara to take the document and begin the rewrite,as she always had.But instead,she simply smiled—a cold,brittle gesture that didn't reach her eyes—and said,“Give the Beta a cycle to improve his scenting of the details.”
Ryder looked genuinely surprised for a fleeting moment,a hint of Alpha discomfort clouding his golden gaze,but he quickly masked it.Just then,his specialized communication link lit up with a coded message.
Elara glanced at the screen and saw an invitation to an important Rogue Neutralization Ceremony hosted by a friendly Clan Leader.The message specifically requested he bring a female companion to honor the treaty.
“Do you require your claimed Mate to attend with you,Alpha?”Elara’s voice was soft,laced with a deliberate challenge he seemed to miss.
Ryder’s expression became conflicted,a war between Alpha duty and private need.
He reached out and pulled Elara into his imposing arms,speaking in a gentle,possessive tone.“That kind of event isn’t for you,my Mate.The wolves there are always looking for a fight;I don’t want you caught in the Rogue Territory trouble.I need you safe,here in the Keep.”
Elara gently shifted away from his embrace,pulling just beyond the reach of his overwhelming Alpha musk.
“That’s acceptable.I have personal matters to attend to tonight anyway,”she said.Then,forcing a phrase of duty,she added,“Return to the Keep before the moon is high.”
Ryder looked visibly relieved.He pressed a light,absent-minded kiss to her cheek,his scent marking her out of habit,and smiled.