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!"

them, pleased

a nod, "is why I’ve always loved the

upright, his

ever so slightly

moment Elijah gave a subtle

with a clipped tone before turning sharply

dynamic shifted. Elijah walked directly beside Asher, 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 out to the sides, creating a moving wall of protection

folded up with a hydraulic hiss

tinted windows glimmered under the sun,

and most lavish SUV, clearly reserved for Elijah. As they

of the plush leather back seat, his movements slow and regal. Asher followed silently,

slid into the passenger seat, while the driver — already waiting — started the

them, the other SUVs filled with alphas and dignitaries, engines rumbling to life one after the other. Asher had clearly gone all out to stage a grand, orderly

their own vehicle rolled forward, the convoy fell into formation, gliding down the narrow runway road. The private strip faded behind them, swallowed by the sweeping, open land

don’t see your beta, Your Majesty," Asher observed, his tone carefully

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

you, Your Majesty," Asher replied, not bothering

you must have heard by now that your ex-girlfriend is bound to Roman. That must sting, knowing the goddess didn’t even consider you

flinch outwardly, but

goddess," Asher said, clearly trying to