Chapter 43

Alexander's POV I drummed my fingers against the polished oak table, growing increasingly irritated as the Emergency Pack Council Meeting dragged on. Orion, my wolf, paced restlessly beneath my skin, mirroring my mood with every tense breath I took. Three hours. We'd been sitting here for three damn hours, circling the same points, and still no real action taken. My mind kept drifting—to Felix, still recovering, and to Summer. Always Summer. I wondered if she'd eaten. If she'd thought about me at all. "—and until we can determine the origin of these foreign scents, I suggest doubling the eastern patrol rotations," Elder Morgan was saying, his voice droning on like he had all day. My phone vibrated in my pocket. Normally, I wouldn't interrupt council proceedings, but when I saw Summer's name flashing on the screen, instinct took over. I raised my hand, cutting off Elder Morgan mid-sentence. "Excuse me," I said, stepping away from the table. "I need to take this." The moment I answered,