This time, Killian's excitement died a swift death, the eager gleam in his eyes extinguishing like a candle snuffed by wind.
It would have been okay if he could maintain his title, could keep the power and prestige that came with being an Alpha. But now that it wasn't so anymore.
His father was offering him the position of beta and he didn't want Corvine anywhere near the Nightshade pack any more. The humiliation would be unbearable.
However, his father reminded him in a hushed tone, his voice urgent and low. "We don't have a choice, Killian. Corvine and Athaliah are still very rich and will always have the Alpha King and Queen's support." He glanced at the royal couple, his expression calculating. "We need them. Our pack needs them."
Killian's teeth gritted together so hard his jaw ached, but he knew the truth, knew it with a bitter certainty that settled in his stomach like poison. He was too weak to be Corvine's Alpha.
