#Chapter 22: Shared Air

Richard I didn’t want to be here. Simon glanced at the scan and frowned. “You’re stabilizing. Whatever you’re doing—keep doing it.” “She’s staying in the lounge,” I said. “That’s not close enough,” he replied. “You need her in your room.” I stiffened. “That’s not appropriate.” “Then she sleeps on the couch,” he said, unfazed. “I don’t care how you arrange it—but I assure you it’s medically necessary.” I ran a hand over my face. “This can’t get out.” Simon’s voice dropped. “Then keep it quiet. But Richard—don’t ignore what’s working.” My wolf was getting harder to control. Every night she wasn’t near me, it got worse—Storm snarling just under my skin, restless and angry. Sleep was pointless, and my focus, what little I had left, was constantly fraying. I snapped at a junior Alpha during council prep for repeating himself, and barely kept it together during the strategy meeting. Beta cornered me after the third incident, concern etched in every line of his face. "You’