Ryan's POV
The morning air was thick with smoke again. Four more pyres added their ash to the gray sky, four more pack members lost to the relentless plague. I stood at my office window, watching the flames climb higher, each one representing another failure on my part. Another life I couldn't save.
"Alpha." Kai's voice came from the doorway, hesitant and strained. My new Beta was young for the position, too young, in truth, but necessity had forced my hand after Ethan's death. "The Council is waiting for your report on the healer's progress."
I didn't turn from the window. "Tell them Diana is working as quickly as possible. That's all they need to know."
"With respect, Alpha, they're asking for specifics. Timelines. Results." Kai moved further into the room, his reflection appearing i
