ELRETH
Every hair on her body stood up as her brother did everything but challenge her outright. While the rest of the disformed submitted, showing respect, he faced her, arms folded, and poked her with the disillusionment of the very people she was trying to help.
Only years of warnings from her father about catching herself before she lost her temper—and her recent regrets around things she said to the elders—held her back from unleashing on her brother until he was kneeling before her.
But that hesitation, that half-breath of quiet, was suddenly filled by her mate.
Aaryn stepped between them, facing Gar. "Stand. Down," he growled.
Gar just raised an eyebrow. "I know she's your mate, but she's my sister. I don't stand down for her unless she deserves it."
"She deserves it by virtue of her dominance and her position in the hierarchy—stop pulling this shit, Gar. I thought we were on the same page here?"
