**Mira's POV — Wednesday Afternoon, School Parking Lot**
She was early picking up Brielle. Two days until the divorce finalized. One week until the custody hearing. Everything was finally falling into place.
Then she saw him.
Elder Marcus Thorne stood by the school entrance, watching the doors. No pack members with him. No followers. Just him, alone, looking like a man with nothing left to lose.
Mira's blood ran cold.
She parked quickly, got out, moved toward the school. He saw her immediately.
"Dr. Whitmore." His voice was too calm. "We need to talk."
"Stay away from me."
"I'm facing federal charges because of you. My reputation is destroyed. My pack position gone. Fifty years of service—erased." He stepped closer. "You did this."
"You did this. You bribed wit
