Noah's POV I collapsed onto the couch, my body heavy with exhaustion. Ryder, my wolf, was eerily silent—no growls, no demands, just a hollow emptiness. The bouquet of roses on the coffee table mocked me. I grabbed a bottle of whiskey and drank straight from it. The bitter liquid burned my throat, making me squeeze my eyes shut. So f*****g bitter—just like my life. "f**k," I muttered, squeezing my eyes shut. The bitterness of the liquor was nothing compared to the ache in my chest. Ryder whined in my head. "We need her, Noah." What the f**k is happening to me? Weeks ago, I only wanted to get her back after learning about her pregnancy, but these past few days, something's wrong. My wolf howled in agony at our separation, driving me to beg for her return - something unthinka