Page 74 of Maksym

“Iron Valor matters,” I said. “Not only because of Maddie. Their Alpha, Liam ‘Bronc’ Baucaum, is one of the most respected wolves in the country. A former military man. Disciplined. Loyal. Dangerous when forced. My father has long-standing ties with his pack.”

“Okay,” Grace said.

“And Maddie is his sister.”

She typed that with a small, precise nod, as if the familial connection had found its proper file.

“Bridger Hardin took the Midwest throne by formal challenge,” I said.

Grace’s fingers stopped above the keys.

Not dramatically. Not with a gasp. She only became very still, the pads of her fingers hovering just above the letters.

“Define formal challenge,” she said.

“A recognized combat claim under wolf law. A king may be challenged under specific circumstances. If the challenge is accepted and properly witnessed, the outcome is binding.”

“And he killed the previous king.”

“Yes.”

She looked at the screen, then at me. “That was lawful?”

“Under wolf law, yes. There was more to it. The Council tried to invalidate his fated mate claim. His mate’s father was king of the East. He wanted her married to the king he killed.”

Her jaw shifted slightly.

“Was it murder?” she asked.

“No.”

“Was it killing?”

“Yes.”

“That distinction matters here?”

“It matters everywhere. People merely pretend it does not.”

Her gaze held mine for a moment longer than necessary.

Then she typed: Formal challenge kill — lawful under wolf sovereignty if accepted/witnessed. Distinguish killing from murder. Ask for procedural requirements.

I read it upside down and felt an inappropriate swell of pride.

“The Eastern Wolf territory is now held by King Griffin Calloway,” I continued. “He is Bridger’s brother-in-law. Newer to power than some. Honest, by reputation. Still finding the full weight of his crown. His father was removed permanently by the Council for tampering with the challenge.”

Grace raised an eyebrow, then typed: Eastern Wolf King: Griffin Calloway. Relation to Midwest. Possible alliance?

“Likely alignment in most matters involving family or Iron Valor.”

“Good to know.”

“A Southern king and a Western king round out the four. The Southern king will likely stand with Iron Valor as well.”

She waited. I gave her no names.

Her eyes flicked up. She understood the silence at once. “Not relevant yet?”