Chapter 76

Lila’s POV Two weeks had passed since the masquerade ball, and I had been doing everything in my power to avoid Caden. My lab and the tiny condo attached to it had become my sanctuary. I buried myself in building cultures and research I was not sent. I just needed a means to distract myself from the lingering thoughts of that night from the way his lips felt on mine, the way his touch ignited a fire within me. I wondered if he was trying to reach me or if he was just as resolved to keep his distance. Yet, as much as I tried, I couldn’t stop my thoughts from circling back to him. My wolf stirred restlessly every time I let my mind wander too long. She didn’t understand why we were staying away from him. I did. I couldn’t afford to risk being near him, not now, not with what was at stake. The buzzing of my phone snapped me out of my thoughts. I picked it up and saw Joan’s name flashing across the screen. “Hey, Joan,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “Lila,” Joan said, her voice filled w