Chapter Twenty Two

VALERIAN’S POV

Watching Hercules intently, I could sense his awe at my Second's extraordinary ability, but the Alpha quickly got himself under control.

Mentally I felt a slight nudge from Hercules seeking permission to speak to me privately through the connection that Jared brokered.

Relaxing my mental barriers from external access and I allowed him in.

"You should count yourself lucky for having such an extraordinary man on your team. If not that I could sense his unwavering loyalty to you, and I would challenge you for him. He is an asset, one I would love to have in my pack." I heard the private thought Hercules sent to me, and the truth under the slightly wry tone.

"If not for his deep love for you, I would not hesitate to take him from you."

I internally scoffed at the audacity that Hercules had to say this to my face but I restrained myself from reacting outwardly. That he would take Jared from me because he regarded it as a tool to be used, a weapon...not a human being with fe