"I just want to make something clear," Aliona said, her voice carrying the sharp edge of a rival wolf stepping too far into another's territory. Her gaze locked onto mine with open hostility, her emotions barely restrained beneath the surface. "I will never abandon my bond toward Elliot. For as long as you stand in the way, you will have me as your competition."
She tilted her chin slightly, confidence bleeding into arrogance. "It's only a matter of time before President Presgrave recognizes me. Once that happens, you'll be replaced."
I didn't react the way she expected. In pack politics, reacting to bait was a weakness.
"Your lack of achievements doesn't concern me," I replied coolly, my voice steady and unshaken. "Take your fantasies somewhere else."
A flash of contempt crossed her expression, her instincts flaring as her pride took the hit. "We'll see who ends up standing at his side in the end."
