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Bethany's POV

My palms were clammy as I stood just outside Mason's the door, rehearsing what I was about to say. I hated asking him for anything. It felt like kneeling before a king who enjoyed dangling favors over your head just to watch you squirm. But this time, I had to suck it up. For Lily.

I knocked twice, my knuckles barely grazing the wood, but Mason's voice was sharp and instant. "Come in."

I stepped inside, the scent of leather and dominance overwhelming. He was seated at his desk, of course, leaning back in his chair with that unreadable expression that always set my nerves on edge.

"Bethany," he drawled, his eyes flicking up from the papers in front of him. "What do you want?"

Straight to the point. Lovely.

"I need to ask for your approval to leave the pack grounds this weekend," I said, forcing my voice to stay calm and even.