A Possessive Claim

Absolute silence smothered the sprawling dining hall. The ambient roar of conversation vanished, leaving only the crackling tension radiating from Valera. She held her ground in front of Magnus, head held high, Aethra surging just beneath her flesh.

"As for you, my mate," she said, keeping her tone low and lethal. "Do not ever allow another to put their hands on you in such a manner. You claimed