I returned to the pack home, trailed by Beta Degen. But Beta Jaime was the first person I looked for as I stepped through the entrance. His absence was strange, as he was always there to meet me like a receptionist. I scanned the room and growled. "Where the hell is Jaime?"

"Alpha!" A servant came rushing over, bowing slightly, and continued to speak. "Beta Jaime left with luggage earlier this morning," the servant explained respectfully. "He asked me to pass along his apologies. He mentioned something about needing time away from the pack."

"So, he's not coming back." I chuckled bitterly. Jaime thought he was important enough to just...