was attacked again. We lost-" I tuned him out. Not because the attack wasn't important. Not because the pack wasn't my responsibility. But because something far worse loomed over me. My time was r

g again. "Don't bother waiting," Alec said. "A friend picked me up. I'll be home soon." I exhaled sharply, irritated. A wasted trip. I was about to pull away when the passenger door flew open. I turned sharply, muscles tensing. A woman stood there, she didn't say a word. She simply stared at me. I narrowed my eyes. She looked familiar, but I couldn't place where I knew her from. Her wide, startled eyes flickered with recognition as if she knew exactly who I was. Then, before I could say a word, she slammed the door shut and ran. I watched her retreating form disappear into the crowd. That was... unexpected. But I didn't dwell on it. Instead, I pulled away from the curb, shaking my head. I needed a drink. - The bar was loud, dimly lit, filled with the scent of sweat and liquor. I took a seat in the farthest booth, away from the noise. A waitress approached, all sultry smiles and lingering glances. I ignored her and ordered my usual something strong. Tonight, I wanted to drink until the world blurred. Until I forgot the ticking clock over my head. Until I forgot that no matter how much I fought, fate was winning. I was halfway through my second glass when the noise behind me became too much. Raised voices. Shouts. Laughter that wasn't right. I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't. I turned to the back. A group of men surrounded someone near the bar. A woman. Her movements were unsteady, her arms limp as one of the men grabbed her by the w