Chapter 39 · The Order He Couldn't Control

"Take your hand off me, Dorian."

His fingers tightened around my wrist.

Not enough to bruise. Enough to remind me he could.

The council chamber went silent. Thirty wolves sat along the curved stone benches, watching to see if I would bow or break.

Dorian stood inches away, blocking the exit. Heat poured off him through his black shirt. His thumb pressed against my pulse, counting every beat like he owned it.

"You don't get to walk out," he said.

"Watch me."

I twisted hard.

He caught my other wrist before I could shove him. My back slammed into the carved doors. Pain cracked up my spine, and several council members sucked in a breath.

Good.

Let them see him lose control.

"Dorian," I warned.

His jaw tightened. "You made a scene."

"You announced my punishment in front of your entire pack. What did you expect? A thank-you card?"

"I expected you to follow my order."

"That's your problem."

His eyes dropped to my mouth.

Only for half a second.

I saw it.