After a short drive, the vehicle slowed to a stop at my residence. The familiar perimeter carried the quiet hum of pack energy, a subtle boundary that marked home. I handed the key to Elliot as I stepped out, my voice even as I said, "Take Jared back first. I'll get the groceries myself."
He didn't argue. With the key in his possession, he took Jared's hand and guided him toward the entrance, his movements steady and controlled, the kind of presence that naturally settled into Alpha authority without effort. I watched them go for a brief moment before turning away, choosing to focus on what I needed to do instead of the lingering tension between us.
