The next morning, Evie woke to voices arguing downstairs.
"—can't keep indulging her!" A man's voice, angry. "He's weakening. We all see it."
"She needs time." Sophie, firm but patient.
"You can't force a bond."
"We're not talking about forcing. We're talking about basic pack survival. How long are we supposed to wait while she plays with his heart?"
"Michael, that's enough."
"Is it? Because from where I'm standing, she's killing him. Slowly. And we're all just supposed to smile and pretend it's fine?"
Evie's stomach clenched. She got dressed quickly and headed downstairs, drawn by morbid curiosity and guilt in equal measure.
The argument was happening in the great hall. At least a dozen pack members gathered, Sophie and Liam on one side, Michael and several others on the other. A
