Chapter 9

LUCIAN’S POV The sky was still a pale blue from how early it was when Aiden knocked on my door. “The flight has been booked for this morning,” he said, tossing the details onto my desk. “But it's not just for you alone. I also booked for Nora and myself.” I raised a brow, glancing at the papers with an eye. “Are you sure about that?” “You said you couldn't leave her alone, not with Evelyn still out. And we'll only be gone for a day or two. She will miss a day of school, tops. And I think the pack will survive a day without us.” I leaned back, rubbing my temple. He wasn't wrong. Nora needed someone. Especially today. Aiden doesn't just play his role as my beta. As my best friend, he cares about my family too. An act of kindness that doesn't go unnoticed by me. “Besides,” Aiden added, “you really gonna let Nora miss Maya's birthday? She's been working on that gift for weeks.” That changed everything. Nora had asked for Maya twice yesterday. Then she showed me the bracelet she made—a deli