The high-pressure adrenaline of the Alphas’ late night return had finally begun to settle, leaving behind a thick, heavy exhaustion that hung over the entire penthouse.
By 4:30 AM, Julian and Ethan had finally retreated to the master suite's adjoining bath to wash away the bitter, metallic stench of the North Ridge border battle. The low, muffled roar of the steam shower echoed faintly through the walls. Chloe sat cross-legged on the edge of the sprawling king sized bed, staring blankly down at her bare feet. The green knit dress felt heavy and stifling against her skin, a constant reminder of the intense sensory session in the executive lounge that now felt like it had happened an eternity ago.
She reached up, her thumb tracing the smooth, unyielding leather of the collar around her thr
