Draven POV
I looked at the phone for a long moment… then I answered.
She didn't speak. Just breathed. Slow and deliberate. As though she was composing herself before she said anything.
She breathed the same way that night in the woods when she told me it was over. And on that morning in the Beta's garden when she told me she was fine even though her cheek was purple.
I waited for her to speak.
"Draven." Her voice was careful. "I need you to know that nothing-"
"George is a safe choice." The words came out level even though I hadn't planned them. "Isn't he."
"That's not-"
"He knew everything about us. He was always there. Makes him the convenient choice."
"Nothing happened." Her tone was firm and quiet. "I need you to believe that."
"You're asking me," I said slowly, "to believe
