Maxine's POV
I steeled myself and knocked on the door. Clara opened it, a look of surprise flashing across her face before she replaced it with a smug, or perhaps a victorious smile. “What do you want, Maxine?” she asked, her tone trickling with condescension.
With tears threatening to spill, I said, “I need to speak with Alpha. It’s important.”
Clara’s eyes narrowed as she tried to form an excuse. “He’s busy right now, and—”
Before she could finish, Liam appeared behind her, opening the door wider. “Leave us, Clara,” he commanded.
Clara's expression changed and was replaced with anger. “But—”
“I said leave!” Liam barked, his tone brooking no argument.
Clara glared at me as if I had stolen something precious from her before stomping off. Liam grabbed my arm roughly and pulled me ins
