The heavy wooden door of the Alpha quarters clicked shut, and the absolute silence of the room rushed in to greet them. The moment the lock engaged, the rigid, fearless posture Rose had maintained down in front of the Council completely dissolved. A violent tremor rushed through her limbs, and she staggered slightly, her knees suddenly feeling like water. The adrenaline that had kept her standing straight for the last hour evaporated all at once, leaving her completely drained.Before her feet could slip, a pair of strong, familiar arms wrapped securely around her waist.
Ace pulled her flush against his massive chest, his breathing heavy and ragged. He did not say a word at first. He simply held her against him as if she might disappear into thin air if he let go. But the moment his bare p
