XLIV

Dylan

Kaiya is far less stiff when addressing our pack than I am. She and Ace are more at ease addressing people than I am. I was raised to be a leader and I know how to address people in a formulaic and trained manner, but not in a natural and welcoming way that they both seem to do so well. I suppose that is why we are a good match. I know how to lead through my training and I know the ins and outs of business dealings, but they are personable and warm.

Kaiya rubs my arm and holds my hand as we take our seats and await dishes of food for us to serve ourselves from.

“You are so stiff, My Sweet Shadow,” Kaiya coos. “Try and relax.”

“I forgot to tell Ace I intend for you to select our replacement Beta,” I grumble.

“It can wait if it must,” Kaiya replies. “I don’t know anyone besides Amina I could trust enough and she has no mate.”

“Why did Ace banish Amina, again?”

I am not certain I ever got the reasoning behind it.

“He banished her for telling the truth and defending me,” Ka