"I knew you wouldn't be able to stay away. But today is an important occasion for the pup, so don't—"
I didn't give her the chance to finish. I lunged past her and drove my fist straight into Dorian's face.
"Remember your place as the rut-partner on the side. Don't be like your mother—that old bond-breaker who loved stealing what belonged to others."
As I spoke, I pulled out the ceremonial blade I'd hidden beneath my cloak and sliced through the formal tunic he wore.
The fabric tore with a sharp ripping sound, accompanied by his shrill scream. I shredded the garment completely.
"If you have nothing to wear, then go bare-furred. My mother made this with her own hands. You're nothing but a side-bond, and I'd rather destroy it than let you wear it!"
The gathering descended into chaos. Matriarch Aurelia Valeheart, who always placed pack honor above all else, remained strangely still and made no move to intervene.
Selene Valeheart draped the ruined scraps over his shoulders and glared at me with fury burning in her golden eyes.