"It is a link. To Luca, the pack, to something more than myself. And I refuse to let you remove it.
The competing Alpha's smile wavered, his eyes hardening. Then fight for it, he answered bitterly.
Aria stood up and her mark glowed brilliantly, its light entwining with the brilliance of the pendant. The relationship blazed with vitality; its presence constant yet brittle as she confronted the competing Alpha.
You want to sever the link? Her voice was steady as she said, then you will have to break me first.
The competing Alpha's face darkened, his strength exploding as he shot for her.
Not! Luca yelled, then moved to intercept him.
The three of them collided and the energy of the link shot madly, its strength quivering. The light of the pendant flashed, its brightness pushing back the darkness yet straying under the weight of the fight.
The competing Alpha hissed, his golden eyes burning, "you cannot win this."
"Watch me," Aria said, her voice resolutely strong.
