ROMAN
Alpha Julian Sinclair was as subtle as a sledgehammer. "The alliance between our packs would be unparalleled," he said, swirling his bourbon. "Together, Silverclaw and Sinclair would control nearly half the territory in the Northern Coalition."
I kept my face neutral, though my wolf, Kael, was snarling beneath my skin. This dinner wasn't about territory or protection. It was about Julian pushing his daughter into my arms.
"The Coalition isn't about control," I reminded him, setting down my barely-touched drink. "It's about cooperation."
Julian waved his hand dismissively. "Semantics, Roman. Power is power, and you know as well as I do that this summit will reshape territories for decades to come."
"And you believe marrying your daughter secures that power?"
His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Seraphina has always been meant for you. You know that as well as I do."