Chapter 15. The Weight of Duty

I stood in the dimly lit surveillance room, watching my siblings through the camera feeds Adam had set up throughout the house. A pang of jealousy twinged in my chest as I observed their relaxed friendship.

"Bastard, make's it look so easy." I shared my uneasy thoughts with V.

"Our role is different—we cannot forge close bonds but have to stand as the vigilant protector of the pack. Someone needs to ensure leadership over personal connections," he briskly reminded me. Still, the duality in our existence troubled me. I swallowed the bitterness, masking my envy of Chase's dual ability to connect while leading.

"Suck it up, buttercup." V's voice echoed in my mind, a constant presence that guided and yet challenged me. "Adam's paranoia has been getting worse since Lottie arrived." V observed, his tone laced with a mix of concern and disapproval. I nodded slightly, my gaze fixed on the screen, noting how Adam's eyes tracked Lottie—cold and guarded as if