~ TARKYN ~
Tarkyn, praying that Zev wouldn't be startled or triggered, plowed on. "You force our hand if you take her—if you even injure her, Zev. Make no mistake. If she loses life or her blood is spilled, you will not be in a position to protect your mate. She will die. I don't want to do that, but I will. I cannot let you take our Queen. None of us can."
Harth was breathing heavily behind him. Through the bond, he could feel her, cold with terror, hot with hope, her body trembling. She was terrified and praying.
Everyone waited to see what Zev would say, but then it occurred to Tarkyn: His mate had already made it clear.
When he'd been in there with them alone, Sasha had stared at Zev and tried to reassure him. "I'll make them stay outside so you can breathe."
It was what had made Tarkyn realize what was truly going on with this wolf—the animal fought the man.