The Alpha house had gone quiet, the kind that sounded intentional. Jacob stood at the study window watching the driveway empty into night. The taillights that had carried Olivia away were gone; the absence kept flashing anyway.
Camila hovered in the doorway, arms wrapped around herself. “Did you bring her back?"
Jacob didn't answer. He turned from the glass and opened the lower drawer of his desk. He took out a bottle, then set it back without pouring. “No."
Camila stepped inside. “She'll cool down," she said gently. “Tomorrow—"
“Tomorrow there is a notary at three," Jacob said. “She will not cool down."
Camila's mouth trembled. “You agreed?"
“I listened," he said. “For once." He dropped into the chair and rubbed his forehead. “Lyle."
The assistant appeared as if the wall had produc
