twenty-three

Nathaniel POV

The sky was a bright blue, a stark contrast to my gloomy mood. My phone had been buzzing with news headlines since morning, but I couldn't muster the energy to care. I didn't have the strength or sanity to deal with anything.

Janet's voice broke the silence. "Excuse me, sir, Miss Emilia Thompson is outside waiting for you."

I waved her off, took a sip of my coffee, and headed outside. Emilia was waiting by her car, gesturing for me to get in. I couldn't help but growl in anger as we drove to the pack house.

"Calm down, Nathaniel," Emilia pleaded, but I ignored her, gazing out the window. She seemed to understand my need for silence, and we drove in silence until we arrived at the pack house. I was lost in thought, unaware of the passing time.

"Nathaniel, if you just—" Emilia tried to say, but I cut her off, storming into the pack house. The other wolves scurried out of the dining room, sensing my fury. My eyes blazed with rage, and my voice thundered through the hall.

"C