Jack pauses at the entrance, glancing at Samantha. “Stay close.”
She gives a small nod. “I will.”
But as soon as they step in, the weight of the room shifts.
Eyes turn.
Some respectful.
Some guarded.
Some… doubtful.
Jack doesn’t acknowledge any of it. He moves straight toward the private section where the Alphas are gathered.
“Samantha,” he says quietly, “give me a few minutes. This won’t take long.”
She studies his face, reading the tension there. “You sure?”
“I need to handle this,” he replies. “Alpha to Alpha.”
She nods again. “I’ll be right outside.”
The door closes behind him.
And just like that—
She’s alone.
Samantha exhales slowly, stepping away from the building. The air outside is cooler, quieter… but not peaceful.
Not really.
She starts walking without thinking,
