Chapter 22

Caroline's POV Ryan handed me a glass of water, which I accepted with trembling hands. It wasn't until Draven's fingers gently brushed across my face that I realized tears were streaming down my cheeks. "Easy, Caroline," he murmured, his voice a soothing rumble as he rubbed small circles on my back. "Howard has no power to harm you. You're safe here; that worthless elder can't touch your position." I felt my wolf, Rory, stir inside me, unusually comforted by his touch despite not being a member of his pack yet. "That's right, Carrie," Ryan chimed in supportively. "Don't pay any attention to Howard. The man's a complete ass. You're a strong she-wolf; don't let him intimidate you." Draven's head snapped toward his Beta. "Since when do you take the liberty of using nicknames with my executive assistant?" His eyes flashed violet, jealousy evident in his tone. "Since we became friends," Ryan replied with an easy grin, completely unfazed by his Alpha's possessive growl. "And don't be a knoth