"What a beauty. Elliot has good judgment," someone in the hall murmured, their voice carrying the approving tone of an elder evaluating a future mate within the pack structure.
"Of course he does," another replied with a laugh. "Elliot has always carried Alpha-class presence since he was young. It makes sense he would choose someone worthy of standing beside him."
A sudden voice cut through the conversation from behind.
"I don't agree."
The atmosphere shifted instantly.
Even I felt it—the subtle spike of dominance in the air, like a challenger stepping too close to an Alpha's marked territory. When I turned, I saw Nigel walking in with an easy confidence that didn't quite match the tension he was provoking.
The women around him laughed as if he were joking, but Nigel only lifted his chin proudly.
"Which part of me loses to Elliot?" he said. "Back in our younger days, I was clearly the most dominant-looking among us."
