Not all enemies show their teeth; some smile in your face.
I didn't choose.
Standing there with my hand trembling between two Alphas, two futures, I realized something. Choosing either one in that moment would be wrong. Would be letting them force my hand.
So I dropped my arm and stepped back.
"No," I said simply.
Both Alphas stared at me. Shocked.
"No?" Darius repeated.
"No. I'm not choosing like this. Not with both of you manipulating me. Not with the bond screaming and Gideon offering freedom and neither of you actually seeing me." My wolf snarled in agreement. "I need time. Space. To figure out what I actually want without either of you pulling strings."
"Elara—" Gideon started.
"No. Both of you, back off. Give me room to breathe. To think." I looked between them. "When I choose, it'll be on my terms. Not because you cornered me in the moonlight and forced my hand."
