Julian's phone vibrated in his pocket, pulling his attention away from the budget report he'd been reviewing. Natalie's name flashed on the screen, and his heart skipped a beat—it always did when she called.
"Natalie?" I answered, unable to keep the warmth from my voice.
"Julian!" Her voice came through panicked and breathless. "You need to come to the medical den right now! It's Isabelle—she's hurt badly!"
I bolted upright, my wolf instantly alert. "What happened? Is she okay?"
"I don't know! They're examining her now. Please hurry!" Her voice cracked with emotion before the line went dead.
Without a second thought, I abandoned the report and rushed out of my office. My wolf clawed beneath my skin, demanding I get to the child I'd raised as my own. Down the corridor, I caught sight of Aurelia walking slowly with a small box in her hands. I barely registered her presence as I sprinted past.
