_ Absent Álvaro

I breathed out gingerly, running both hands down my face.

"Alright. Enough. We're not talking about María José anymore."

Hugo chuckled. "Sure."

"I mean it."

"Uh-huh."

I turned toward the window, gritting my teeth. "I have other problems."

"Oh, good." I could hear the smirk in his voice. "Which one do you want to stress about next?"

I stared at nothing in front of me. "Becoming Alpha."

Hugo went quiet for a moment before sighing. "Are you serious about this Alpha thing?"

"No, I just enjoy ruining my own life for fun," I muttered. "Of course, I'm serious."

A low whistle. "Axel, are you trying to start a war?"

"I'm trying to prevent a war." I threw my hands listlessly in the air. 

Hugo scoffed. "Oh, is that what we're calling it now?"

I ignored him. "If Álvaro becomes Alpha, the pack is doomed."

"And you care?"