Chapter 127

Xavier stood like a wall of iron, silent and unmovable, performing his duty exactly as Alpha Volkov had assigned, protect Sloane, no matter what. Ethan, standing beside her, narrowed his eyes at the imposing guard. There was something sharp and predatory in Xavier’s stillness, something only another wolf could sense. Xavier felt the stare, turned slightly, and Ethan quickly looked away, stepping closer to Sloane with a protective stance of his own. Now Sloane stood between two wolves guarding her, one cold and lethal, one warm and loyal. Damon saw it. Saw the way they shielded her. Saw Sloane behind them, calm and utterly unafraid of him. His fists tightened so hard his knuckles cracked audibly. “Sloane,” Damon growled, his voice trembling with barely restrained fury, “are you really not coming home with me?” Sloane stepped forward, letting her gaze sweep over him with icy disdain. “Home?” she laughed softly. “We’re divorced, Alpha Blackthorn. Your gilded cage suits you, not me.” Damon