Chapter 2

As soon as I slipped into the passenger seat of Lincoln’s car, the overwhelming scent of Sienna hit me like a punch to the gut. Her stuff was everywhere—lipstick, a compact mirror, and a fur scarf soaked in her floral perfume. Somehow, I managed to keep my cool as I gathered it all up and shoved it into the glove compartment.

Lincoln’s jaw clenched, his Alpha vibe flickering with unease. 'Don’t get the wrong idea, Alice,' he said, his voice steady but defensive. 'Sienna must’ve left those by accident.'

I shrugged, my tone casual. 'It’s whatever. I’ve put them away. Just tell her to be more careful next time.'

The car went dead silent, the tension thickening like a storm cloud. Lincoln kept sneaking glances at me, his sharp blue eyes searching for a reaction that wasn’t coming. Finally, he broke the silence. 'You’re not gonna toss them out?'

I blinked, focusing on my phone. 'They’re hers. Why would I throw them away?'

The old me would’ve lost it, seeing Sienna’s stuff as some blatant power move, a way to stake her claim on Lincoln. But now? I couldn’t care less. Lincoln wasn’t my mate anymore, and Sienna’s games meant nothing to me.

'Let’s go,' I said, cutting through the heavy air. 'We’re running late for the hospital.'

Lincoln nodded, his Alpha instincts kicking in as he smoothly accelerated, the car gliding through the shadowy streets. Just as we neared the hospital entrance, a soft chime echoed through the car—Sienna’s custom ringtone.

Her voice trembled through the speakers, laced with fear. 'Lincoln, I think I heard something outside my den. Can you come check?'

Without missing a beat, Lincoln pulled over, his voice shifting to that protective, soothing tone. 'Lock your door, Sienna. I’ll be there soon.'

He turned to me, urgency etched into his face. 'Sienna’s in trouble. I need to check it out. The hospital’s right there. You can go on your own.'

'Wait—' I started, but he was already opening my door, his movements quick and final.

'Go, Alice. I’ll catch up with you later,' he said, his Alpha tone leaving no room for argument. Before I could say anything, he shut the door, revved the engine, and sped off into the night.

Standing under the dim glow of a streetlamp, I gripped my phone tightly and headed for the hospital, the chilly night air biting at my skin. The streets were unnervingly quiet, the only sound the distant howl of a wolf.

The next morning, Lincoln finally walked into the packhouse, his presence as commanding as ever. He found me in the kitchen, sipping a steaming cup of coffee and nibbling on a slice of spiced honey cake.

'Alice,' he said, his voice edged with irritation, 'why didn’t you wait to have breakfast with me?'

I looked up, meeting his gaze with calm indifference. 'Didn’t see the point,' I replied simply, taking another sip of my coffee. 'You had more important things to deal with.'

His jaw tightened, but he stayed silent, the weight of his choices hanging heavy between us.