“Security, we have a feral Xeus-”ĭevlin lunged at him, his claws aimed at Taube’s throat, and only Haydn’s war-honed reflexes saved him. “Dammit,” Taube muttered under his breath, looking pale and wide-eyed. There was no recognition in Devlin’s glowing eyes. Xeus wasn’t anywhere close to its full-moon phase. Devlin wasn’t supposed to be able to turn into his beastly form out of his rut. His facial hair thickened, becoming dark fur, and the next moment, his claws snapped out of his fingers, long and razor-sharp, another animal growl leaving his chest as his handsome features turned monstrous. A growl left his throat, his eyes glowing green. “Something is wrong,” Devlin croaked out before a visible shudder went through him.

Devlin was breathing oddly, his green eyes unfocused. His voice sounded strange, hoarse and tight, and Haydn turned to him and frowned. Any alpha would feel on edge with an unfamiliar alpha in his personal space, and Haydn was no exception. Taube should have known better than that. Was this Haydn’s imagination or had Taube’s scent become stronger? He sniffed, confused why the other alpha was suddenly all over his personal space. He placed his hand on his arm and guided him away from Devlin. “Have they,” he said, stepping closer to Haydn. Royce and his family have been wonderful.” “I have no intention of abandoning my country, but I like it here. “I’m still a Pelugian,” he said carefully. The prime minister was making it sound as if he had moved from Pelugia to Kadar on a permanent basis. Haydn hesitated, the question making him uncomfortable. “So tell me, how are you settling in your new home?” He smiled again, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead. He looked away from Devlin and focused his attention on Haydn. His lips twisted into a sardonic smile, Devlin saluted Taube with Haydn’s drink and gulped it down.

It seemed the rumor that Taube despised Xeus alphas was true. He’d always hated the prejudice against alphas like Devlin, but such blatant scorn was uncommonly rude, especially considering that Devlin was part of the Pelugian royal family. His tone was dismissive, and he didn’t offer his hand. “And this is your cousin?” Taube said, glancing at Devlin.

Unnatural by alessandra hazard