Alaric's heart felt like it was being squeezed by a hot iron. When he had pulled up in his car and saw Damien standing so close to Sofia, a wave of pure panic hit him. He was a powerful Alpha, but he knew the laws of nature; he knew about the mate bond. He was terrified that a few words from Damien could undo everything he had built with Sofia.
Sofia looked at Alaric, her eyes cold. "What are you doing here, Alpha? I thought our business was finished for the night."
Alaric stepped closer, his scent heavy and commanding. "I wanted to be sure you got home safe. The streets aren't safe for a woman alone."
Sofia frowned, looking from Alaric back to Damien. She could see the tension between them, like a string pulled too tight. Damien, noticing the coldness in Sofia's voice when she spoke to his uncle, felt a small spark of hope. He realized things weren't as perfect between them as he feared. I still have a chance, he thought.
