IVAN'S POV
"It doesn't matter what I think," I gritted out, my voice clipped with irritation. "If Maeve wants to sever all ties with me, I'll give her what she wants."
"And Asha? You don't think she plans to leave with him once the treatment's over, do you?"
"If she did, she wouldn't have declared him so publicly as my son and heir."
"So, you're appointing him then. As your heir." Not a question. A fact.
Before I could respond, there was a brisk knock on my door. The handle turned, and a moment later, Barty entered.
One of the oldest members of the Ash Creek council. One of the few who'd been here long enough to know the deepest roots of this pack.
When I left Maeve's quarters, furious and humiliated, I'd already decided who I needed to call. If anyone knew how to sever a bond like ours, it would be him.
Barty bowed deeply before me. "You sent for me, your Highness. I came as fast as I could."
