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Leith’s voice comes through first, clipped and sharp. “I’m close. Ten minutes out.”

“I’m about that too,” I say, even as I’m already pushing ninety on the back roads. Less, I think. A lot fucking less at the speed I’m driving.

Finn’s voice cuts in, tense. “I’m in my lab. It’s at least thirty minutes across town this time of day. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Keep me informed.”

“I’m on my fucking way,” Piers growls, the pure alpha energy rolling off him is so strong I can practically feel it through the phone. He’s clearly already moving. “If she’s safe when you get there, you tell her she’s getting a spanking tonight. I’m in Glendale. It will take me a bit.”

I don’t even laugh. Because yeah… she’s probably getting a spanking. And then she’s getting locked in that nest with me for the foreseeable future, where I can keep my eyes, and my hands, on her at all times.

“Copy that,” I mutter, jaw tight. “I’m three minutes out. Leith?”

“Four,” Leith answers, voice like gravel.

The line stays open, all of us silent except for the sound of tires on pavement and heavy breathing. No one wants to say what we’re all thinking.

Then it hits. A spike of pure terror slams through the bond so hard my vision whites out for a second. My hands jerk on the wheel. I have to fight to keep the SUV from swerving off the road.

“Fuck—! Did you fucking feel that?” Leith barks, voice raw.

Finn’s voice cracks through next, tight with panic. “That was her. Something’s wrong. She’s terrified.”

Piers’ growl is pure alpha fury. “Fucking get there! I’m at least forty minutes out!”

I floor it. The tires scream as I whip into an open spot on the street next to Tinto’s.

“I’m here,” I snap into the phone, already throwing the door open. “Leith, stay on the line. I’ll let you know what I see when you get here.”

I don’t wait for a reply. I run.

I burst through the doors of Tinto’s like the place is on fire, eyes scanning every table, every corner, every flash of color for Cammie. Nothing.

My gaze finally lands on Lucy sitting alone near the back. I’ve only met her once at one of Leith’s family events, but I’d know her anywhere. I sprint straight to her table, heart hammering so hard it feels like it’s trying to break out of my chest.

“Have you seen her?” The words come out rough, panicked.

Lucy shakes her head, eyes widening at my tone. “She’s not here yet. But I saw her car in the lot when I pulled in.” She inclines her head toward the side parking area. “I figured she ducked into another store before coming in.”

“Stay here,” I order, already backing away. “Don’t leave this table until one of us comes to get you.”

Her eyes go wide with worry, but she nods quickly, swallowing hard. She doesn’t know what’s happening, but she’s smart enough to be scared for her friend.

I shove back out the door, phone still glued to my ear. “Leith, did you hear that?”

“On it,” Leith answers instantly, voice clipped. “I’m pulling into the lot from the back. Be there in forty-five seconds.”

I can smell her fear before I even round the corner of the building. Cammie stands frozen a few feet from my white Mercedes. Shayna Cummins is only steps away from her, knife held low but steady in her right hand. The blade glints in the dying afternoon light.

Sharp, ice-cold terror rips through the fresh bond like lightning. Some of it’s mine. But the parts that are all Cammie’s flood me so hard my knees nearly buckle.

Stay calm. Stay fucking calm. This is your omega. Don’t fail her.

Every hour of crisis training from med school and the ER slams into my brain at once. De-escalate. Use her name. Acknowledge emotion. Keep your voice low and steady. Don’t give commands. Make her feel heard.

I force my hands up where Shayna can see them, palms open, and take one slow step forward.

“Shayna,” I say, my voice aiming for calm but not quite getting there. “Hey… it’s okay. I’m Beck. I’m not here to hurt you. I just want to talk.” I’m careful to look only at Shayna, even though my eyes are practically burning to turn toward my mate.

Shayna’s head snaps toward me, eyes wild and unfocused. The knife stays pointed at Cammie. “She’s a fucking whore,” Shayna spits. “Thinks she owns every alpha she looks at. Dresses like that, tits out, ass on display, making packs obsessed with her magic little pussy.”