I let the silence linger after Anastasia stepped out of my car, her scent still trapped in the cabin like an unbroken thread between mates. The pull of her bond always lingered longer than reason allowed, but I forced myself to drive away before instinct took over. Even an Alpha learns restraint… sometimes.
The road back to the territory was empty, lit only by the cold glow of streetlamps and the restless hum of the city packs moving beneath them. I hadn't even fully settled into thought when my phone vibrated again, cutting through the quiet like a territorial warning.
Hayley.
I hadn't heard that name in weeks. I almost let it ring out, but something old and inconvenient—history, memory, obligation—made me answer.
"Elliot… it's me. I'm back. I've missed you so much."
Her voice carried familiarity, but no bond stirred in my chest. Only distant recognition. "Good to know you returned safely," I replied, my tone flat, controlled, Alpha-neutral.
