Raymond stood at Emilia’s door, his hand still on the edge of the frame where she had slammed it shut. Her parting words echoed in his mind, cutting deep into his chest.

Leave me alone. Go to her.

He lingered for a moment, hoping against hope that the door might swing open again, but it remained closed, as final as her words. Slowly, he turned and walked back to the car, each step heavier than the last.

Francois was waiting by the car. He opened the door and gave Raymond a questioning look. “Shall I take you back home, Alpha?”

Raymond shook his head, sliding into the back seat with...