The Agreement

Adele stood before the Cardinal Alphas, her eyes blazing with fury. Asher, Roman, Alaric, and Griffin seated like chastised children, their usual dominant energy dulled under the healer's scathing glare.

"What the hell were you all thinking?!" Adele's voice rose, resounding through the room. "Do you know I had to give her five heat suppressant shots? Five of them just to ease her from her torment!"

Roman shifted uncomfortably, his head hanging low. Guilt weighed heavily on him, after all, he had come the closest to crossing the line.

"We're sorry," he said quietly, his voice laced with regret.

"Sorry?" Adele's voice sharpened like a whip. "Does sorry make up for the induced heat you all forced the poor girl into? The trauma she might carry?"

Alaric frowned, his tone defensive. "How is that even possible? Humans don't go into heat. She's human, right?" He looked at his cardinal brothers for confirmation.