Chapter 123
SAGE
The figure that emerged from the shadows was a young woman, her presence commanding despite her petite frame. Her sharp features were accentuated by a cascade of raven-black hair that fell over her shoulders, and her piercing green eyes held a confidence that matched Titus's. She was flanked by a group of warriors, each one armed and watching us with sharp, assessing gazes.
"I'm Elise," she said, her voice steady and strong. "Daughter of Alpha Marcus. You're trespassing in Ironclaw territory."
Titus didn't flinch, his blade still at his side but his posture calm We're here to speak with your father," he said, his voice firm but not aggressive. "I'm Titus, Alpha of the Black Iron Moon Pack."
Her gaze flickered briefly to his domineering eyes, recognition sparking there, but she didn't lower her guard. "The Lycan king, am I right?" she asked.
"That's correct," Titus replied.
A couldn't miss the look in her eyes-admiration, curiosity, and, most unmistakably, desire. It didn't sit well with me, not one
bit. It's no secret that Titus's striking presence can leave anyone breathless. Women across his territory practically fall over themselves just to catch his attention. So, it didn't surprise me that the young woman standing before us was clearly captivated by him from the moment they met.
What did surprise me was how much her interest bothered me. It gnawed at me, an irritation I couldn't ignore. I already had Anna to contend with; her lingering feelings for Titus constantly come between us. And now, here was someone new-a fresh competitor vying for his attention. The worst part? I hated that I cared.
"My father doesn't meet with outsiders lightly, especially unannounced."
here to cause trouble," he said, his tone measured. "We've traveled a long way to seek an alliance with your
studied us for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Important enough to risk crossing into our
met her gaze evenly. "Yes," he
a moment, the tension hung thick in the air. Then Elise nodded, a
on her heel. "I'll take you
on their territory now. The Ironclaw warriors
herself- with the same unwavering determination I often saw in Titus. Along with that admiration is the painful thought of her being a match
to a sprawling village nestled between towering cliffs. The packhouse was a massive stone structure, its walls fortified and its design practical yet imposing. It spoke of
stood at the head of a long table, his presence as commanding as the stories had suggested. His broad shoulders and grizzled features spoke of years of experience, and his
missed nothing as he took
Titus," he said, "the lycan
"It wasn't lost. I merely lend it to them for the
curved into a faint, skeptical smile. "You don't waste time, do
My uncle and his son are consolidating his power, and every moment we wait, he tightens his grip on the kingdom. I need allies, Alpha Marcus.
pack's safety for your cause isn't going to be easy. You'll have to
with determination.
a seat beside him. "Elise, you brought them here.
resting on Titus. There was a flicker of curiosity
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