Unveiled Truths and Rising Tensions

I abandoned the spilled groceries and sprinted toward my house, heart hammering against my ribs. Rhys was still recovering, his body weakened from the injury, unable to shift—and Orion was there. Orion, the Alpha who had sheltered me for four years. Orion, whose temper was legendary.

My lungs burned as panic gripped me. I should have known this would happen. The universe had never been kind enough to give me time to sort through my complicated feelings.

As I approached my front door, I noticed it was slightly ajar. Voices drifted through the opening—tense, aggressive male voices. I slowed my pace, caution overriding my initial panic.

"...touching what isn't yours," Orion's deep voice carried clearly. "I suggest you remember your place."

"My place?" Rhys's voice was sharp, dangerous despite his weakened state. "You're the one who should remember boundaries, Valerius. She doesn't belong to you."