Hugo's POV
Deep sleep came easily after my wolf had run wild through the forest. The exhaustion that followed those transformations always left my body feeling like lead, heavy and drained of all energy. My wolf demanded these releases, and afterward, I could sleep through almost anything.
When I returned to the guesthouse that evening, Bella had already mentioned she planned to rest. There was no need for me to stay nearby. I collapsed onto my bed and fell into unconsciousness so complete that even the violent storm raging outside couldn't wake me.
The persistent knocking at my door finally pulled me from that deep slumber. Each rap was deliberate and urgent, the kind that meant trouble. My first instinct was to grab my phone and check for missed calls or messages from Bella. When the screen showed nothing, relief washed over me briefly. Perhaps the night had passed without incident after all.
The knocking continued.
