Chapter 175

Allison's POV I cradled the warm mug between my palms, feeling slightly better as the heat seeped into my skin. "Thank you," I said to Liam, trying not to think about how the simple kindness contrasted with his usual coldness. "Just don't reveal anything in front of my parents," he replied casually, as if we were discussing the weather rather than perpetuating an elaborate charade. "I understand." I nodded, watching his profile as he drove. The afternoon sunlight caught his jawline, highlighting the tension there. Liam's eyes narrowed slightly, long fingers tapping rhythmically against the steering wheel. I could practically see the thoughts churning behind his expression – wondering about my connection to Henry from the Clinton pack. After a moment, his features relaxed. Whatever conclusion he'd reached, he seemed to have dismissed it as unimportant. When we arrived at his estate, I practically bolted from the car and rushed inside, desperate for some distance between us. My wolf was