Claudia's POV
"Mr. Grayson…"
Ronan lunged at me—faster than I'd braced for, for an old man just out of prison. His hand clamped around my arm with startling strength. Even so, I could feel the faint tremor running through his fingers.
His voice shook. "What did you just say? Say it again!"
I dropped my gaze, pressed my lips tight, and pretended to hesitate.
My wolf purred low.
Ronan's breathing turned ragged, his grip tightening until it nearly hurt him.
"Say it!" he barked.
I flinched theatrically. "I… I said I was relieved to see you looking well…"
"No!" His eyes went wild, bloodshot, frantic. "You—what did you just say about Joshua?"
This is the fear that lives in the heart of every parent.
I drew the silence out on purpose, savoring the thunder of his pulse. Then, slowly, I
