Layla could hardly walk when Jackson led her out of the woods. He had carried her most of the way, and now she clung to his side for support.
He smiled at her smugly before the weight of what he had done settled on his shoulders.
He’d openly chosen his mate over the pack.
There were warriors on patrol and trainees who’d finished for the day walking around the packhouse grounds when he walked towards the house. They all stopped and lowered their heads to show respect, but he could feel their judgment.
Not only had he been ill, but he’d also hidden away with someone they all thought was a rogue. His reputation had taken a big hit lately.
The moment he opened the door, Dylan was waiting with Micah in the lobby.
“Alp... Jax,” Dylan said. “We really need to talk.”
“I’ll go and find some
