POV: Allison

The question hung in the air between us like a weight, thick with anticipation and unresolved tension. I looked at Freddie, searching his eyes for reassurance, but all I saw was the same mix of hope and uncertainty that I felt swirling inside me.

"Can Ray really help us get the results?" I finally asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Freddie exhaled sharply, his breath laced with doubt.

"He has connections, Allie. He's an Alpha. He's respected, and feared in our community. If anyone can pull the right strings, it's him." He told me.

"But will he want to?" The thought dripped with scepticism as I knew...