Chapter 78. Return

Lex’s POV

I watched my phone ring, the screen lighting up with my father’s name. I let it go to voicemail. If it was important, he’d call again—we had an unspoken rule: three rings, answer on the third. The weight of tonight’s treaty signing had already shot my nerves, and I wasn’t prepared to handle family drama on top of it.

“Why didn’t you answer?” Zack’s voice cut through my thoughts.

“Because he knows what tonight is,” I replied, keeping my tone even. “If it’s urgent, he’ll call back.”

My father had canceled his attendance at the last minute for a “business trip,” whisking my mother, a few warriors, and Jax away. It was normal for them—always running from one crisis to the next—so I’d barely registered their absence until now.

The phone vibrated again, insistent. A second call. Urgent.

I couldn’t ignore it anymore.

“Get Lilly and Sade inside,” I ordered. Zack didn’t hesitate, already giving instructions to Sasha and her mate. Tim