Vivian shot up in bed, her fingers gripping her phone firmly. A soft evening wind flowed through the partly open window, mingling with the faint sounds of her group's calls.
Her sensitive ears picked up the gentle stir of leaves in the night. Yet, her attention stayed fixed on the call.
"Hi?" Her voice was steady yet assertive, imbued with the quiet confidence of an Alpha's partner.
Silence.
Her scowl deepened. She could discern breathing from the other end, consistent yet uncertain.
"Hello?" she repeated, her tone growing more tense with an unsaid caution.
A moment of silence occurred before a familiar voice eventually emerged. "I truly apologize, ma'am. "Oh, you answered? I didn't notice."
Vivian breathed out gently, feeling the tension melt away. "Whose number is this? Why are
