My phone buzzed softly in my bag. Marcus.
"Everything okay?" his message asked.
I smiled faintly despite the pain. Of course, he'd check. His steadiness had become something I relied on without even realizing it.
"On my way out now," I typed back, pausing as another wave of discomfort hit. "I’m fine."
His reply was instantaneous.
"Logan says otherwise."
I almost laughed, despite everything. His wolf was even more protective than Marcus himself. For once, it was comforting.
The elevator dinged, signaling my arrival in the lobby. Steeling myself, I straightened my jacket, crossed the threshold, and headed for the exit.
All around me, whispers followed like a tide that refused to ebb. Pack members hovered in doorways and clustered together, their gazes heavy with curiosity and
