The room went completely silent and every pair of eyes turned to me. The King's shock was genuine for just a moment before he covered it smoothly with amusement, studying my expression and finding it steady and certain. He let out a short laugh.
"Then so it shall be. Tomorrow evening the women who wish to claim his mateship will gather on your pack land. A day gives them time to travel and gives you time to prepare." He smirked at the last word.
A day. That was no time at all.
Phoenix's voice came through the bond immediately. "Nova."
I am not losing you, I told him. And I will not let you put your title or your life at risk under the King's rules. I have Cel. I have a strong feeling about this and I need you to trust me.
"If one of them gets a proper bite on you, Nova. If one of them kills you."
Then I will make sure I deliver one just as effective first.
