It rang again.


    I stared at it for a second. My chest didn’t twist with guilt or longing. Just… irritation.


    I immediately hit “Block Number” and tossed the phone onto the couch.


    “There,” I said. “Officially nuisance–free.”


    Ava grinned. “That’s my girl. Now, if only you could identally grope your boss again tomorrow.“”


    “Ava!”


    “What? Just one more time. For data.”


    Alexander’s POV


    I was in the study, reading an old hardcover on post–industrial


    economics when Mike walked in.


    “Alpha, I just realized something fascinating” he began.


    I didn’t even nce up. “If it’s about werewolf economics again,


    spare me.”


    “No, no. More local. You and Ms. Whitmore live on the same


    floor.”


    I set the book down on the desk and slid my silver–framed sses to the edge of my nose. “Mike. I’ve known that since I leased the property!”


    “Well,” he said, already pacing, “I just ran into her friend. Ava. Apparently her mom sprained her back or tailbone–can’t


    remember which–and she has to rush home immediately.


    Which leaves Ms. Whitmore alone. Injured. Wheelchair–bound.


    Defenseless.”


    I raised a brow. “And?”


    Mike hesitated. “Well… I was thinking… maybe we should help?”


    I leaned back in my chair. “It takes three men to take care of one


    woman with a leg injury?”


    “Not three,” Mike said quickly. “Just… maybe one. Or two. We’re


    narrowing it down.”


    “Have you spoken to Olivia about whether she even wants


    help?”


    Mike paused, like that thought had only just urred to him.


    “No. But <i>I </i>can call her.”


    “Do that,” I said, returning to my book. “If she’s ufortable,


    we’re done here.”


    Mike tapped his phone a few times, then held it up. “Speaker?”


    I gave him a nd look.


    He put it on speaker.


    It rang once before a familiar voice answered, faintly groggy.


    “Hello?”


    “Olivia! It’s Mike,” he chirped. “I heard Ava had to leave, and we


    were just wondering–do you need anything? Help? Company?


    Soup?”


    “I… I’m okay,” she said after a beat. “I didn’t know Ava told you.”


    “She had to as she is your dear friend. How could she leave you


    unattended?” Mike grinned. “Anyway, would you mind us,


    taking care of you? Alpha Alexander also thought it would be


    better if maybe you coulde upstairs for dinner?”


    I shot him a look that could vaporize a tree. When did I say


    anything like that?


    “-I mean, all of us. As a team.”


    Oliviaughed lightly. “Thanks, Mike, but I ordered takeout


    already. Don’t want to trouble anyone.””


    “Oh,e on. Takeout? You’re injured. You need real food.


    Bone broth. Chicken soup. Something Alpha–quality”


    I pinched the bridge of my nose.


    Mike beamed. “It would refresh and heal you in no time.”


    Olivia hesitated. “If it’s not too much trouble…”


    “No trouble at all!” Mike said triumphantly. “Consider it part of


    ourpany’s unmatched employee care program.”


    He hung up and looked at me, full of purpose. “You heard her.


    She’s too polite to ask, but she needs it.”


    I nodded slightly and closed my book.


    He started pacing again. “Alpha, I have got an small issue.”


    “What!”


    “Actually, I am still cooking the soup and it might gette if I go


    and call Olivia myself. Can you go instead of me and apany


    her, here? Please?”


    Olivia’s POV


    When I opened the door on my crutches, I expected to see


    Mike’s sheepish grin or maybe even Gai’sid–back smirk.


    But instead, it washim.Alpha Alexander. Standing right there in


    his housecoat, like this was normal. Like I should’ve been


    expecting him.


    My grip on the doorknob tightened. “Alpha Alexander?”


    He nodded once, calm as ever. “Mike’s watching the soup. I was


    sent to escort you. Are you ready to go upstairs?”


    The way he said “escort” made me feel like I was some fragile


    royal being wheeled around for public disy.


    I wanted to say no. But all that came out was a pathetic, “Okay.”


    Before I could blink, Alexander had already stepped in and


    lifted me off the ground. I wasn’t prepared. My hands


    instinctively grabbed his shoulders, and I nearly squeaked.


    “You didn’t have to carry me,” I mumbled, heart thumping. “I


    could’ve… I mean, I have crutches.”


    “And take half an hour to climb one floor?” His voice was dry,


    but I caught a hint of amusement. “I’m not that patient, Olivia.”


    I shut my mouth.


    He settled me into the wheelchair with ease, his fingers


    brushing my side just a second too long. It made my skin burn.


    This wasn’t supposed to feel this way. I wasn’t supposed to feel


    anything.


    In the elevator, I stole a nce at his legs. Stupid. But the


    memory of my idental thigh–touch earlier still haunted me. I


    could feel my cheeks heat up.