The air is thick with expectation, the gathered wolves silent as Kieran steps forward.
The ritual grounds are bathed in silver light, the full moon hanging high, a silent witness to what is about to unfold.
All eyes are on him. The Alpha of Alphas. The one who is meant to lead the presentation, to set the example before others who have newly found their mates follow.
Kieran's steps are slow, deliberate, as he moves through the crowd.
The tension in the air crackles like a storm about to break. Wolves shift, whispering among themselves as they watch their leader approach Ace and Rehan.
Ace stands rigid, confusion flickering across his face as Kieran stops in front of him. Rehan remains still beside him, unreadable, but his presence is an irritant Kieran can't ignore.
Then Kieran does something no one expects.
He holds out his hand.
