---- "Bad mood?" Marcus laughed bitterly. "Look at him, James. When has the Alpha ever had a 'bad mood' that lasted more than a day? Sage Rivers didn't just leave-she exposed everything. The plan failed, Garrett Rivers will definitely compete with the Alpha for the King position now. With the Alpha this decadent, do we even have a chance of winning?" "Maybe that's not what he's worried about," suggested another pack member, David. "Maybe it's something else entirely." "Like what?" David hesitated, then asked tentatively, "Do you think it might be because of Sage Rivers herself? Not the failed plan, but... her?" The suggestion hung in the air like a dangerous secret. "Sage Rivers?" Marcus scoffed, but his voice lacked conviction. "Impossible! Hasn't the Alpha always treated her as a tool? How could he be upset because of her personally?" "But don't you think the Alpha has been acting ---- strange for months now?" Thomas said quietly. " Even before she left. Remember how he reacted when she was attacked? How he destroyed half the punishment compound when he found her with those rogues?" "Yeah, I think something's been wrong for a while," James added, warming to the topic. "Do you remember that day in the banquet hall? The Alpha destroyed the entire place with his bare hands-he looked completely insane. And the way he was preparing for their mating ceremony... it seemed like more than just manipulation." "What are you suggesting?" Marcus asked, though his voice suggested he already knew. "T think the Alpha might be..." Thomas hesitated, looking around nervously. "Might be what?" the others pressed. "Might be... in love with Sage Rivers." The words came out in a rush, as if saying them quickly would make them less dangerous.