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“Never, darlin’.”

“Medically, the rut will likely help heal the symptoms of the concussion because of the stronger burst of pheromones,” I point out. “We’ll just be careful of the bruises on his back. No rutting against a wall or tree trunk.”

“Well, there goes my first planned two scenes,” Rhett replies, dryly.

Paige flushes.

“Do you need your sister to come and stay with us for a couple of days?” I ask. “She’ll be discharged from the hospital by tomorrow. I could monitor her for the smoke inhalation.”

I know that I have said the right thing by the way that Paige’s gaze settles on mine with a look of wonder.

“You really are an angel, Halo.” Paige fiddles with the blanket. “When my parents left America, my Monarch pack took Soph in. We have looked out for each other through everything for a long time now. But this time, she said that one of her co-workers has invited her to stay.”

Rhett’s eyes light with amusement. “Let me guess, a cute blond Omega?”

“How’d you know?”

“Let’s just say that when I saw them together it was obvious that they were falling for each other.”

Paige huffs. “She’s lucky that she’s in a hospital bed. She’s meant to bring me all the gossip. Why’d she hide this?”

“Maybe she didn’t want to rub a new love in your face when you were struggling, beautiful,” I reply.

“As long as she’s happy.”

“Where’s Luca?” Rhett asks. “Does he know what’s happened?”

I shake my head. “Sorry, couldn’t reach him. I’ve tried a hundred times. Our intrepid Alpha is lost in the wilderness again.”

“I want him,” Paige whispers. I don’t know if she realizes that we can hear her. “I need him.”

“Try him again,” Rhett commands, firmly.

I know that there is no point, but if they need the reassurance, I’ll do it.

I drag the phone out of my pocket and check it.

Nothing.

I make a show of phoning and waiting, while it rings, four and then five times, before it clicks to Luca’s voicemail.

Your call has been forwarded to an automated voice messaging system…

It is typical of Luca that he never bothered to record a personal voicemail because he didn’t see the point.

I shake my head. “How about I check the app? See where our pretty Alpha is?”

I am aware of how intensely the other two are watching me, as I swipe to the app.

Then the blood drains from my face.

My hand tightens around the phone, threatening to crack it.

Rhett hisses out a breath, as he struggles to sit upright. “What the hell is it?”

Stiff with terror, I turn the phone, displaying the screen to my Omega and Alpha.

I show them the dark, swirling mass that is heading straight toward Luca.