LILY
The house felt too quiet without Ace.
I stood at the window watching his car disappear down the driveway, my heart hammering against my ribs. The mate bond stretched between us like a rubber band, and with every mile he traveled, it pulled tighter.
*He'll be fine,* I told myself. *He's strong. He's smart. He'll come back.*
But my hands were shaking as I turned away from the window.
The pack house buzzed with activity around me, but I felt like I was watching it all through glass. Pack members moved through their morning routines, completely unaware that their Alpha had just driven into what might be a trap.
I needed to do something—anything to keep my mind occupied.
"Luna?" A soft voice made me turn. Maya, one of the younger pack members, stood hesitantly in the doorway. "Are y
