"The ritual has not been completed. She has not slept with him. We would know," Bryant said stubbornly, and began to pace restlessly. "There are many of us without a woman, and yet my lord, you allow this risk."
"There is only one lifemate. She obviously belonged with Dimitri. Besides, I have plans and I won't let you ruin them, Bryant."
"Are you sure about this, my lord?" Bryant began.
A low snarl stopped him. "I see no reason for you to question my judgment in this matter, Bryant. I have had more than one sire, and I have never let fraternity stand in the way of what is just or right." Ellon smirked, "For now... I need Dimitri's trust and his ally." He paced and added, "We require the woman as leverage."
