Dinner

Zeff

"Did something happen?" I asked Shadow through the mind link, watching him from across the breakroom. He was sitting with Miss Robbinson's kid, sharing a tablet and quietly absorbed in some game or video. It was a common sight around the office—colleagues sometimes bringing their children when they couldn't find a sitter. Our company was flexible like that, as long as the kids behaved.

Shadow looked up, sensing my intrusion into his thoughts. He seemed a little confused, maybe even a bit dazed. "I don't know," he replied, his voice coming through the link like a soft whisper in my mind. "I fell asleep pretty hard. It was weird. Next morning, she's been quiet."

I glanced over at Liliam, who was at her desk, typing softly on the keyboard. Her movements were slow, almost mechanical, like she was on autopilot. Her face was pale, her eyes distant, as if she was lost in some dark, spiraling thought. She was definitely not okay. The bond between us was like a live wire, humming with her anxiety and fear. I could feel it, even from across the room. And then there was the fact that we hadn't met in another dream. That absence was like a cold void in my chest, unsettling and confusing.

"Did something happen with Owen?" I asked Shadow again, trying to keep my tone steady and calm through the link. I needed to know what was going on.

Shadow simply shrugged, a small frown tugging at his lips as he shook his head. "She hasn't said anything," he replied. "But I can feel she's... scared. And tired. Like she didn't sleep at all."

I clenched my jaw, frustration boiling inside me. I wanted to know what had happened, to reach out to Liliam and make her tell me, to pull her into my arms and shield her from whatever was causing her so much distress. But I couldn't. There were too many eyes, too many questions.

And then there was Owen. The thought of him made my wolf growl inside me, restless and angry. I had no idea what was going on between them, but I had a feeling it wasn't good. The bond between Liliam and me felt strained, as if something—or someone—was trying to wedge itself between us.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. I needed to be patient, to wait for the right moment. I needed to talk to Liliam, to find out what was happening. And most importantly, I needed to protect her, no matter what.

"Keep an eye on her," I told Shadow, my voice firm through the link. "Let me know if anything changes."

He nodded, his young eyes serious. "I will, Alpha," he replied, his tone filled with a maturity that belied his age.

I turned my attention back to Liliam, watching her carefully, my heart heavy with concern. Something was wrong, and I was going to find out what it was. And when I did, whoever was responsible was going to pay.

Liliam

At lunchtime, I was still lost in my thoughts, trying to make sense of everything that had happened over the past few days. The fear and confusion gnawed at me, making it hard to focus on anything. My fingers tapped mindlessly on the keyboard as I stared blankly at the screen in front of me.

Suddenly, I felt a presence beside my desk, and I looked up to see Owen standing there, a warm smile on his face. My heart skipped a beat, and a sense of tension settled in my chest. He seemed... normal. But after last night, I wasn't sure what to expect from him anymore.

"Hey, Liliam," Owen said softly, leaning down to plant a kiss on my cheek. "How's my girl doing?"

I tried to smile, but my muscles felt stiff, uncooperative. "Owen, what are you doing here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. I was searching his face for any signs, any flicker of something different, something darker. But he just smiled back, his eyes filled with concern.

"I wanted to see you," he replied, his arm slipping around my waist and pulling me closer. The touch made my skin prickle with unease. "Thought we could go out for dinner tonight. You, me, and Kevin. Have a little family time."

I was surprised, a little taken aback by the sudden invitation. "Dinner?" I echoed, my voice sounding more strained than I intended. "That's… unexpected."

Owen chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I figured it'd be nice to spend some time together. You've seemed a bit stressed lately. I just want to make sure you're okay." His words were sweet, almost too sweet, and it made my stomach churn with uncertainty.

I glanced over at Zeff, who was sitting at his desk nearby, his expression instantly darkening the moment he noticed Owen. I felt a wave of annoyance wash over me, but it wasn't mine—it was Zeff's. I could feel his emotions through the bond, a strong, simmering frustration that was impossible to ignore.

Owen's arm tightened around me, pulling me closer, and I couldn't help but steal another glance at Zeff. His eyes were fixed intently on Owen, a dark glare that seemed to pierce through him. I could see the tension in Zeff's posture, his grip on the pen in his hand tightening until it snapped, the pieces falling onto his desk with a soft clatter.

My breath hitched, and I knew I needed to diffuse the situation before things escalated. The last thing I wanted was for Zeff and Owen to have some kind of confrontation right here in the office, especially with whatever was going on with Owen. I didn't want to find out if Mr. Darkside—Owen's alter ego, apparently—would make an appearance.

"Okay," I said quickly, forcing a smile and trying to keep my voice light. "Dinner sounds good. But maybe we could just… you know, keep it low-key. I'm a bit tired."

Owen's eyes softened, his hand moving to stroke my back soothingly. "Of course, baby," he said, his tone gentle. "Anything you want."

I nodded, my heart still pounding in my chest. "Alright, then," I said, my eyes flicking back to Zeff one more time. He was still glaring at Owen, his jaw clenched tight, but when he noticed me looking, his expression softened slightly.

"I'll see you tonight," Owen murmured, kissing my forehead before stepping back. I watched him walk away, a sinking feeling settling in my stomach.