Claire's POV
The scratch of my pen against paper fills the quiet room as Thomas recounts Scott's early years. His voice is weak but determined, like he's racing against time to get every detail documented.
"When Scott first became Alpha, he wasn't... well, he wasn't the monster you all know now," Thomas says, adjusting himself in the wheelchair. "Ambitious, sure. Hard-headed, absolutely. But he had principles."
"What changed him?" I ask, pen poised.
Thomas's eyes go distant. "Power. It's like a drug. Some wolves handle it better than others."
"And Scott couldn't handle it?"
"He could've. He chose not to." Thomas sighs. "Started small—bending rules, calling in favors. By the time anyone realized the extent of it..."
The door flies open with a bang that makes us both jump. Gregory sta
