"Nigel, stop fooling around now and go to sleep! I really am going to hang up now." My voice came out in a low, controlled whisper, careful not to carry beyond the walls of the house. I moved quickly toward the phone, intending to take it back before the situation spiraled further, but Elliot had no intention of letting go. His grip remained firm, his presence close enough that my instincts reacted before my thoughts could settle.
I didn't dare raise my voice. If Nigel sensed another male's aura in my space, the consequences would be worse than awkward—they would stain my standing within the pack and invite questions I couldn't afford to answer. On the other end, Nigel's tone softened, patient and almost coaxing, as if he were waiting for something intimate. "I don't want to. Just one song. I'm waiting for you."
