Ronan's fists clenched at his sides, his body trembling with the effort to contain himself.
His wolf was howling inside him, screaming at him to tear through anything standing between him and his mate.
They were keeping Riven away from him.
That alone was grounds for war.
He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to stay in control.
Fine.
If this was a matter of price, then he would give Soren whatever he wanted.
"What does he want?" Ronan spat. "A higher price? Hah. He can take what he wants. Just return Riven. Now."
Xavier exhaled a quiet sigh, his fingers adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves before he looked at Ronan again.
"I'm afraid that can't happen," Xavier replied, his voice neutral yet firm. "Riven is someone he cherishes."
Ronan froze.
His jaw tightened.
Soren cherishes Riven?
That bastard—the same one who had taken his mate, and asked for a mine instead... He dared to say he cherished him?
Ronan's blood boiled.
His nails elongated into claws, his breathing harsh.
