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Leon ran a shaky hand through his hair, his expression a mix of bewilderment and amusement. “I didn’t think he’d take my teasing that seriously.”

Concern gnawed at my insides as I processed Lin’s reaction. There was something more going on beneath the surface, something deeper that had driven him to act in a way that was so unlike him.

“It is rather obvious he’s dealing with something we don’t know about,” I said, my thoughts echoing Rachel’s earlier words.

Rachel nodded in agreement, her thoughtful gaze fixed on the doorway Lin had exited through. “Whatever it is, it’s clearly affecting the Alpha.”

As we stood amidst the aftermath of Lin’s abrupt departure, the half-baked cookies forgotten on the counter, a sense of uncertainty settled within me. Our bond, once unbreakable, was now strained, and I couldn’t help but worry about the implications for our friends.

“Is there really nothing troublesome you guys are dealing with right now?” I questioned Leon.

“Eh, no, everything has been go