11#11

11

On the fourth day, Kade lingered near the entrance, fiddling with his coat. His usual comforting aroma now seemed stifling.

"I'm heading out for a few days," he mentioned offhandedly.

I folded my arms, keeping my tone even. "What's your destination? Who's going with you?"

His expression showed confusion, clearly taken aback. "Why the sudden interest in my work affairs?"

For a decade, I'd accepted his words without question, never probing his comings and goings. But now, I wasn't the same trusting woman he'd grown accustomed to misleading.

After a brief pause, his demeanor softened, and he gave me a quick hug. "It's just a visit to another pack's land. My deputy is coming—no one else."

His words were meant to be reassuring, but I sensed the familiar undercurrent of deception.

Shortly after, my phone chimed. It was Lila.