ACE
The hallway blurred past me as Marcus and I rushed toward the front of the house. My mind was split between two urgent needs protecting my pack and returning to Lily. The mate bond was pulling at me, demanding I stay close to her, but duty came first.
*She's safe in the house,* I told myself. *She'll be fine.*
Lucas wasn't convinced. *We shouldn't leave her.*
*We have to. The pack needs us.*
I spotted Derek near the front door, one of my most trusted security team members. Relief flooded through me.
"Derek!" I called out.
He turned immediately, his face already set in the serious expression that meant he was ready for orders.
"I need you to guard the woman in the east bedroom," I said, not bothering with explanations. "Don't let anyone near her. Don't let her leave the room. Un
