LUCIEN’S POV
The club went silent the moment I stepped inside—fear, sharp and immediate.
My wolf stirred, hungry for her, for the one who dared cross me.
The door slammed open so hard the hinges screamed.
“Where is she?”
My voice sliced through the office, cold, sharp and unforgiving.
The manager dropped instantly. Knees hit the floor. Hands pressed together like prayer, but there was no god here willing to listen.
“A-Alpha…”
“I asked you a question.”
My boots echoed as I stepped forward.
The air thickened. Fear spread like rot.
“S-she took leave, Alpha,” he stammered. “Three days. She signed out this morning.”
Something tightened in my chest. Sharp. Sudden. I couldn’t breathe.
Then, for a brief second, relief came.
“You approve it?” I asked quietly.
He nodded too fast.
“S
