An Alpha's Public Defense

I could hardly contain my fury as I observed the scene unfolding across the garden. Two she-wolves—young, beautiful, and utterly cruel—had cornered Seraphina beside the punch table, their smirking faces filled with malice. My enhanced hearing easily picked up their venomous words.

"I can't believe you actually showed up," the taller one sneered. "Don't you have any dignity?"

Seraphina stood rigid, her expression carefully neutral despite the flush creeping up her neck. "I'm here with my mother."

"How pathetic," the second wolf taunted. "Everyone knows your fated mate is with another woman. Yet here you are, hovering around like a desperate little ghost."

Something primal and possessive roared to life inside me. The wolf within me clawed at my restraint, demanding I put these insignificant creatures in their place. I had barely known Seraphina for a few months, yet the need to protect her overwhelmed all logical thought.