Damien's POV
The pen was still in my hand when I caught the scent—fear, sharp and sour, pouring off Marcus my beta, even before he stepped inside.
He didn’t knock. Marcus always knocks.
“Alpha..”
“What.” I didn’t bother to look up.
“Mrs. Blackwood is gone.”
The pen clattered onto the desk. I hadn’t even realized I’d let go. Every sound in the room seized. The fire, the clock—all drowned out by the hammering in my chest. Deep down, my wolf Axel dangerous stirred, waking up at last.I was already on my feet before I realized I’d moved.
“When?”
“Less than an hour.” Marcus was right behind me, boots quick against the stone. “Nobody’s seen her since.”
Her room hit me hard. The bed, perfectly made and untouched. Balcony doors locked from the inside. Her phone, dead and plugged into the c
