Chapter 59

Every instinct in me wanted to tear Stella apart, not ask her to come to my home office.

“I know, Alpha,” Asher tried to calm me, his calculating tone echoing in my mind. “But remember who you are doing this for. We are doing this for Emily.”

I closed my eyes, took a shaky breath, and opened the mind-link.

“Stella,” I linked her.

“Nathan, babe! I am so glad to hear your voice!” she answered instantly, her voice dripping with sweetness.

Hearing her voice in my head made my stomach twist. I felt sick, but I had to pretend.

“Can you come up to the residence?” I asked, making my voice sound desperate. “I just got back from the forest, and I feel alone. I need you, Stella. I need your support. Right now, you’re the only one I can count on.”

“Of course, honey!” she squealed, completely taking the bait. “I will be there in ten minutes!”

“Great. I’m in my home office. I can’t wait to see you,” I responded, cutting t