Chapter 82

Alyssa

After a restless nap, I spend the rest of the day with Zuri, clinging to every second as if it might be our last. I know King and Mason will protect me, but the lingering dread feels like a dark cloud I can't shake. There's a heaviness in my chest as I try to keep a smile on my face for Zuri's sake, watching her laugh and play.

After kissing both her and Niko goodbye, King, Mason, and I find Gray outside, leaning against his bike with his arms crossed tightly over his chest, like he's trying to hold himself together. His gaze is locked on me as we approach.

"Alyssa," he says, his tone clipped.

I give him the middle finger. "Kiss my ass, Gray."

He lets out a long, controlled sigh, his eyes darting to King, who presses a warm kiss to the back of my head. "I'll give you some space," King murmurs, but I grip his arm, reluctant to let him go.

"You don't have to. I don't want to talk to him."

Gray's face tightens. "Alyssa, we need to talk. Now."

I narrow my ey