The protective tone in his voice makes my teeth clench. “I’ve been Beta for five years, Levi. I think I can manage.”
His hand finds my shoulder, fingers squeezing in what others might interpret as supportive contact. To me, it feels like a claim being staked.
“Of course,” he says smoothly. “I just want to ensure you have all the support you need.”
I force myself not to shrug off his touch, though my wolf paces in agitation. Making a scene would only give him more opportunities to play the concerned protector.
“We’ll coordinate through normal channels,” I say neutrally.
The meeting continues for another hour, covering patrol schedules, alliance communications, resource allocation. Through it all, Levi maintains his hovering presence—adjusting maps I can reach perfectly well myself, offering opinions on decisions that fall within my purview, generally treating me like a fragile thing that needs constant care.
I catch Kier watching this display with something unreadable in his golden eyes. When Levi leans over me to point at a location I can see perfectly well, Kier’s jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. But he says nothing, doesn’t challenge or interfere—just observes with the patience of a wolf who knows when to pick his battles.
By the time we adjourn, my patience is razor-thin.
“Lithia,” Ryker says as the others begin to file out. “A word?”
Kier moves to Kitara’s side as she rises carefully from her chair, offering his arm for support. “May I escort you back to your quarters?” he asks with quiet courtesy.
“Thank you,” Kitara says, accepting his assistance with a grateful smile. As they reach the door, I catch her leaning closer to him, saying something too low for me to hear.Whatever it is makes Kier’s gaze flick back to me for just a moment before he nods to whatever she’s said.
Then they’re gone, leaving just Ryker and me in the chamber—and Levi, who lingers near the door like he’s hoping to be invited to stay.
Ryker’s expectant stare finally drives Levi from the room.
“How are you really?” Ryker asks once we’re alone. “Fine. Healed. Ready to get back to work.” I organize the maps with perhaps more force than necessary. “Though apparently my Gamma thinks I’m made of glass.”
“Levi’s… protective instincts have intensified since your return,” Ryker says carefully.
“Protective?” I snort. “He’s acting like he owns me.”
“Do you need me to speak with him?”
The offer tempts me, but I shake my head. “I can handle Levi. He’ll get the message eventually.”
Ryker’s expression suggests he doubts this, but he doesn’t push. “And the nomad? Kier?”
My heart skips, though I keep my voice steady. “What about him?”
“He’s been keeping to the guest quarters. Staying out of pack business.” Ryker tilts his head. “But I sense there’s more to his story.”
“He saved my life.” I meet my Alpha’s gaze directly. “Whatever debt we owe him, it’s significant.”
“That’s not what I’m asking about.”
Heat creeps up my neck, and I curse my fair complexion for making every emotion visible. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Lithia.” Ryker’s voice gentles. “You’ve served this pack faithfully for years. Your personal happiness matters to me—to all of us.”
I stand abruptly, needing distance from his too-perceptive stare. “My duty is to this pack. Nothing else matters.”
“Your parents’ death was a tragedy,” he says quietly. “But it doesn’t mean you have to live your entire life in isolation.”
“I’m not isolated. I have the pack.”
“You have a responsibility as Beta, yes. But I don’t expect you to martyr yourself. There’s a difference.”
I gather the maps, using the task to avoid his gaze. “Is there anything else, Alpha? I have patrol reports to review.”
