Chapter 24. Heat

"It's not here," Maron responded softly to the question I asked. "The journal is back at the house. Tucked away, just like she asked. I’ll go back and retrieve it first thing tomorrow morning."

I nodded, my body heavy with exhaustion and my emotions heavier still. But knowing the answers weren’t lost forever brought a fragile sense of peace.

Before anyone could say anything more, the door creaked open. All heads turned toward the sound.

Lily stepped in first, her expression tight with concern. Rose immediately shot up from her seat. “Lily! You’re back already!” she squealed out of nowhere.

“Did we miss something important?” a calm, commanding voice followed from behind. A tall man walked in after Lily—his presence enough to quiet a storm.

“Dad…” Aries said, standing up instantly.

We all rose with him, bowing slightly to the previous Alpha.

Alpha Charles returned the gesture with a nod, and the tension in the r