Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 554: See Their King

"Your Majesty." Asher didn’t kneel and inclined his head the exact amount tradition demanded and not a fraction more.

"It’s an honor to have you here at the West Pack." His face was unreadable, a mask of perfect stoicism that gave nothing away.

Elijah answered. "I couldn’t have missed this for anything in the world. It’s only right that I pay my respects to your father, Alpha Henry, especially knowing he died a hero."

His words sounded sincere, but the barb beneath them was obvious. Elijah was poking, prodding, and testing Asher.

Asher felt the sting, but he didn’t flinch. His tone was calm but cutting. "You’re right. I may never be able to surpass my father’s record when I take my place as Alpha."

Tension rippled between them.

Elijah studied him, twisted amusement gleaming in his eyes. Asher Nightshade wasn’t bowing — he was matching Elijah step for step, turning his game back on him. They were two predators circling, neither willing to bow first.

For a moment, both men simply stared at each other. Elijah’s black orbs locked onto Asher’s slitted gray eyes without a hint of fear. Those eyes had made countless wolves bow their heads, and had forced even the boldest to look away, but not Elijah.

His powers were not effective on him.

Slowly, Elijah stepped forward, his presence commanding, until he stopped before the line of West Pack alphas.

At once, they dropped to their knees, heads bowed low in perfect unison as they called out, their voices ringing like a single echo.

"Welcome to the West Pack, Your Majesty!"

swept over them, pleased by

I’ve always loved the West Pack. So

hadn’t moved. He remained upright, his gaze fixed in the distance

head ever so slightly

into line the moment Elijah gave

with a clipped tone

both men at the head of the group. The line of West Pack alphas immediately filed in behind Elijah, their steps in perfect unison, while Asher’s personal guards spread

stairs folded up with a hydraulic

stood in a perfect line. Their tinted windows glimmered under the sun, reflecting

As they reached it, two of Asher’s guards stepped forward, opening the

back seat, his movements slow and regal. Asher followed silently, taking

passenger seat, while the driver —

one after

forward, the convoy fell into formation, gliding down the narrow runway road. The private

don’t see your beta, Your Majesty,"

worry about him. He’s tending to your cardinal brothers and their precious mate." His voice carried

you, Your Majesty," Asher replied, not bothering to

that your ex-girlfriend is bound to Roman. That must sting, knowing

Asher didn’t flinch outwardly, but the tight flex of his jaw betrayed

the goddess," Asher said, clearly trying to