Chapter 23

Ramon POV

Lake was pale, almost gray, as Marcus helped him out of the car with careful attention that spoke of concern rather than mere courtesy. His movements were stiff, uncertain, and there was a tremor in his hands that set off alarm bells in my mind.

But it was the scent that made my vision go red around the edges.

Another alpha had touched him. The foreign scent clung to Lake’s clothes and skin like a violation, triggering a possessive rage I hadn’t known I was capable of feeling.

My mother reached Lake first, her maternal instincts overriding everything else as she took in his distressed state.

“What happened?” she demanded, her voice sharp with concern.

Marcus stepped forward, his professional demeanor intact but his jaw tight with controlled anger. “We were approached by an individual outside the academy. Someone from Mr. Sanders’ past who became... aggressive.”

“Aggressive how?” The words came out as a growl, my alpha nature