Lucien’s POV
THE MOMENT I left her room, the scent of the Beta still clung to my skin like a taunt.
I stalked down the hallway, each step deliberate, each breath controlled. Control—that was the key. It was what separated me from the rest of the pack, what kept the wolves in line and the Council’s vultures from circling too close.
I wasn’t jealous.
I told myself that twice before I even reached my office.
By the time I stepped inside, the urge to break something had dulled to a low, persistent burn in my chest. I went straight to my desk, flipping open my laptop. My fingers moved without thought, pulling up the security feed for the west wing.
The cameras were everywhere. I’d designed it that way—not for paranoia, but for efficiency. I knew every door that opened, every shadow tha
