I crouched slightly to Jared's level, keeping my voice calm while the faint hum of pack energy lingered around us. "Jared, where did your mommy go?" I asked, studying his expression for any shift in emotion.
"Mommy has something else to do."
His answer was simple and steady, without uncertainty. I exhaled quietly, piecing together the situation. Anastasia must have been occupied with pack responsibilities, and instead of leaving him unattended, she had placed him under my care before redirecting him to Nigel. It aligned with her nature—practical, protective, always ensuring the young were never left without guidance.
Meanwhile, Anastasia was already on her way to the gathering hosted by her father's company. The cab moved steadily through the city as the streets glowed under the evening light. The building ahead carried a dense social atmosphere, each presence marked by subtle dominance and status.
