Chapter 41:Protected by the Shadow Alpha

(Scarlett's POV) Roman's grip on the steering wheel was firm, his knuckles white against the leather as if containing the simmering frustration I could feel through our bond. The fleeting headlights of passing cars illuminated his icy blue eyes, now darkened with unresolved irritation from the council gathering. Beside him, Aiden sat sprawled lazily in the backseat, his playful smirk unbothered by the tense atmosphere. I adjusted myself in the passenger seat, the unease from earlier still prickling below the surface. “You didn’t need to cause that much of a scene back there,” I muttered softly, breaking the silence but not meeting Roman’s gaze. My pride was bristling under the memory of his protective—and territorial—actions at the council. Roman didn’t respond immediately, his jaw tightening. He finally said in a low voice, almost to himself, “You deserved better than the chaos they made you walk into.” A snort came from the backseat. “He’s always been like this. Overprotective to