Ryker did not mean to suspect that his people were up to something.
He knew the kind of tribe he came from. The Tiger tribe was filled with pride. They were stubborn and fierce and independent. No matter what happened, they would rather choose another chief than to beg for him to return to them.
Especially with the terms they were proposing. Ryker being able to make a decision for himself? He smirked and shook his head at the thought.
The council members would never allow that. Those stubborn old men would always find a way to counter whatever Ryker said. After all, they had done the same thing when he first mentioned his bond with Neve. They had fought him tooth and nail against his choice.
So why would they suddenly change their minds now?
Ryker looked at the man who was already trembling because of the snow. The elder's head was still pressed into the white powder, his body shaking violently.
"Get up," Ryker commanded, his voice cold and authoritative.
