The silence in the car felt too thick, too tense—like the air before a storm breaks.
Before Elliot could decide what to do, I reached out and pressed the screen, answering the call for him.
He turned sharply to look at me, his gaze dark and questioning, but I only met it with a cold stare—one that carried a hint of satisfaction.
Let him deal with this.
"Hello, Elliot~ I'm already at the company. Why aren't you here yet?" Hayley's voice chimed through the speakers, soft and overly sweet. It grated against my ears instantly, setting my wolf on edge.
Elliot's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.
"I'm on my way," he replied, his voice low and controlled.
"All right, I'll be waiting!" she said brightly.
"Sure."
There was a brief pause, then her tone shifted—playful, spoiled.
"You didn't forget my gift, did you? It's your fault for not staying with me last night."
My wolf stilled.
Last night.
The words echoed in my mind, sharp and intrusive.
