Chapter 49

Garrett turned his attention to Nicole, his expression serious and probing. The air seemed to grow tense as he fired questions at her, leaving her feeling cornered and unsettled.

“Nicole, what’s going on?” Garrett asked, his voice laced with a mix of irritation and concern. “You know that you’re not supposed to leave the pack as soon as we resolve the issue with the witches. Why did you disappear without a word, and what are you doing here?”

Nicole’s heart sank, guilt flooding her being. She had tried to escape the weight of her past to find solace and acceptance within Liam’s pack. But now, facing Garrett’s scrutiny, it felt like she had betrayed herself.

“I… I didn’t mean to cause any trouble,” she stammered, her voice tinged with remorse. “I just needed some time alone to sort through my thoughts.”

Garrett’s annoyance seemed to deepen, and she couldn’t fathom why. The tension was growing uncomfortable, and she struggled to find the right words to explain h