Klaus's POV
"Will you be staying behind?" Troy asked as we reviewed the logistics of the warriors returning to the Onyx Pack in the morning.
I avoided his gaze, running a hand through my damp hair. "I can't leave my mate alone here."
He nodded, understanding laced in his features. "I figured. We'll be fine, Klaus. I’ll let you know once we’re back."
"Thank you," I murmured, appreciating his quiet support more than I could express.
After parting ways, I made my way back to the guest room I’d been using. The walk felt heavier tonight. Every inch of the house reminded me of her. Aria. And the fact that she was just upstaits, so close yet so far, made the burn in my chest worse.
The cold shower helped—barely. I stepped out of the en-suite bathroom, a towel around my waist, only to hear a
