Mateo's POV
I'd watched Aria present with a mixture of pride and terror.
Pride because she was incredible. Strong, confident, articulate. Everything I'd been too stupid to see when we were married.
Terror because I knew what would happen the moment she finished. The Council wouldn't just roll over and accept defeat. They'd fight back. Hard.
And I was right.
The second Theron and Raymond were escorted out by hotel security, the room exploded into chaos.
Half the alphas were celebrating, cheering for Aria and calling for immediate elections. The other half looked furious, shouting about maintaining order and respecting the Council's authority.
I pushed my way through the crowd toward Aria. She was still standing at the podium looking overwhelmed, Leah at her side trying to keep people from mobbing her.
"We need to get you out of here," I said when I reached her.
"I can't leave yet. People have questions—"
