ROMAN’S POV
The bruises had already darkened by the time I buttoned the cuffs of my black shirt.
A shadow of violet stretched across my jaw, another beneath my ribs. Every ache reminded me of the same humiliating truth.
I had lost my focus.
Not because of an enemy.
Not because of fatigue.
Because of one woman.
The realization sat beneath my skin like a splinter.
It refused to come out.
A sharp knock echoed against the bedroom door.
“Come in.”
Marcus stepped inside. Unlike most warriors, he never bothered asking permission twice. The Head Enforcer carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone who had earned every scar etched across his hands.
“The Alpha is waiting.”
“I told you I’d be there.”
“You also told me you’d try to avoid him.”
A corner of my mouth twitched des
