Chapter 91

Matthias had one of those nights where sleep just didn’t cut it. It felt like he was roasting on a grill, tossing off the blanket a dozen times, only to shiver and drag it back on minutes later. Too hot, too cold—basically, a mess. By five a.m., Nancy was already geared up in a sports tank and heading out the door. As soon as she left, Matthias knew there was no point trying to sleep. He got up, threw on some clothes, and as he passed the balcony, caught sight of her. Down in the yard, Nancy was doing laps, jumping jacks, stretching—completely focused. The early light hit her face just right, soft and fair like carved jade. He yanked his gaze away, trying hard not to overthink it, when his phone buzzed in his hand. Still distracted, he answered with a lazy “Yeah?” and leaned against the railing. Weill was in full gossip mode, firing off questions like he’d been holding them in all night. “Yo, Alpha Matthias, what was the deal last night after you guys left?” Like a reflex, last night’s