Selene had always known wolves were cruel.
But pack cruelty was different.
It was quiet. Calculated. Smiling to your face while sharpening the knife behind their back.
She felt it the moment she stepped into the Alpha compound.
Eyes followed her everywhere—measuring, judging, assessing. Not just her, but the children. Especially the children. Three impossible miracles standing at her side, their existence already rewriting pack law.
Triplets were rare.
Alpha triplets were unheard of.
And born to an Omega?
Unacceptable.
Selene kept her chin lifted as Silas led them through the corridors. Her spine ached from holding herself together, from refusing to bend under the weight of a hundred hostile gazes.
She would not kneel.
Not for them.
Not for him.
The children stayed close, instincts sharp despite their young age. Kai bristled at every growl that passed too near. Rowan watched everything, cataloging threats. Lyra clutched Selene's hand, silent but alert.
