Nicklaus POV

Since it was already late, we couldn't return home yet. We decided to spend the night at a nearby motel and leave the next morning. I made sure Jessica and Mateo were paired in one room, while I shared a room with my mates. Additionally, I arranged for a larger room for the pack members who were with us, so they could rest for the night. Although Mateo protested, I told him to bear with it just for the night.

Returning to the room, I had a smile on my face, but seeing the cut near my mate's lips filled me with sadness and anger. I carefully tended...