ning as the automated voice echoed back at him: The n

eyes narrowing, the silence i

ened around the device. "One fight, and now she thinks she can play games with me? She pulls tha

Alpha, h

dark, humorless laugh. "Fine. Let her. When she comes crawling back,

is son. The sound drilled into his skull, worsening the pounding hangover already tearing through

er a few questions, the doctor's verdict was clear: "He'll be fine, Al

led a sharp breath through his nose. "Then stop wasting my ti

others lingering in the room. "All of you, out." His g

g absolute, c

dared

o tug him toward the door. He clutched his sore arm to his

. I can't go to school like this!"

ing the boy in place. The room went deathly st

ose to his feet, towering over his son. "You will be well. That's how it works.

ame. "But it hurts," he whisper

s. His expression hardened, cruelty

of it was sharper than any slap. "Crying over bruises?

e. Caleb's face crumpled, his sobs turnin

d unease pooling in the silence. No one dared speak

cleared his throat. "Alpha. forgive me for asking, but. are y

thal glare. The cold edge in his voice froze the room. "I

ly. "Of course not, Alpha." With th

leg crossed, fingers drumming against the armrest as his thoughts circled back to Sloane

the quiet. Soft at

across Damon'

zzed at the same time, vibrating against the table. He didn't bo

his veins, a heady mix of triumph and satisfaction. He answered withou

ply wasn't

id. "We've arrived to begin redecorating y

a blank stare. For the first time in hours, h

nstantly, leaving only the bitter t

shoving the phone aside before sinking deeper into

aff moved silently around him, setting dish after dish, each detail perfect, just as it always had been.

or him, ease the pounding in his t

ost absently, "Where a

quickly. Damon scooped a spoo

fr

ound him crackling with tension. "What the hell is this?" His voice cut through the roo

to replicate Luna's recipe. The staff have grown used to serving it her way. But-" He fal

p. His grip on the fork tight

ane. Alwa

his meals, she lingered like

ry twisting in his gut. His jaw clenched

can play her games and walk away untouched." His v

irk tugging at his mouth as h

t far. I'll m