Chapter 157
Nobody moved after the Alpha said it.
The silence inside the house turned heavy so quickly that Ariana could hear her own heartbeat. Her hand still rested lightly against Kael's arm, and she felt the difference in him immediately. The pressure surrounding the room had steadied the second she touched him. It had not disappeared completely, but it had settled enough that every wolf standing outside the house noticed it.
Ariana saw the realization spread across their faces one by one.
Not relief.
Understanding.
The oldest Alpha looked between her and Kael slowly before speaking again.
"That," he said quietly, "is why the Lycan refuses the bond."
Kael's expression darkened immediately. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"No," the Alpha replied calmly. "I think we finally do."
Ariana frowned and looked between them. "What exactly does that mean?"
The younger Alpha answered this time, his attention fixed entirely on Kael.
