Darien
Cain was in the hallway, phone to his ear, coordinating the logistics. I could hear fragments of his conversation. Flight times. Talking points. Contingency plans. The machinery of leadership continuing to function even as the leader stepped away from the wheel. That was the thing about Cain. He might disagree with a decision, but the moment it was made, he executed it like it was his own. No hesitation. No passive resistance. Just full commitment to making the choice work, even when the choice was messy.
I sat on the bed and drafted the letters to the Aldridge and Brennan pack alphas. Apologized for my absence. Explained that my mate was sick and required my immediate return. I wouldn’t lie. They deserved the truth. I assured them that my representatives carried my full authority
