"Selene." His jaw tightened. "When it comes to bonds, both wolves share the burden."
He pulled the Omega behind him. By then, Aria had caught up and moved to my side, her own wolf bristling with protective energy. "You need backup?" she muttered low.
I shook my head, keeping my eyes on Rogan.
"Selene." He squared his shoulders, drawing himself up to his full Alpha height. "We courted for five seasons. Bonded for two full cycles. Have you ever stopped to consider how many problems you brought to this mating?"
He met my gaze without flinching, his wolf showing no submission.
"Yes, I built my standing in this territory because of you. Yes, my rise to Alpha exists because of your bloodline's connections. But that doesn't give you—or the Nightclaw pack—the right to look down on me every single day."
He stepped closer, his scent washing over me, tainted now with her.
"I can apologize. I can return to our den with you."
His expression flickered with something that might have been struggle.