Thorne
I couldn't think straight. My head felt like it was splitting in two as I sat in the council chamber, the lingering scent of wine and Josie's skin still tormenting me. My wolf paced restlessly inside me, growling, demanding answers I didn't have. I gritted my teeth and forced myself to focus on the men seated before me—my Betas, my pack's shield. I had to bury my chaos beneath the mask of command.
"The security around the borders must tighten immediately," I snapped, my voice echoing sharply off the stone walls. "I don't care how exhausted the patrols are—shift rotations every four hours, no excuses. Anyone who questions it can answer to me personally."
The Betas nodded, though unease flickered in their eyes. My temper had been unpredictable lately, and they knew better than to challenge me.
