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I reached for it numbly, unable to believe what was happening. The phone was at least three models newer than my old one.

"Additionally," Bayer continued, "we've arranged a temporary vehicle for Danny until his insurance settles. My colleague and I drove it to Danny’s home this morning, expecting him to be obeying doctor’s orders and resting. Unfortunately, Danny’s mom had to leave for work early before she knew Danny’s phone was damaged, so Danny paid for a ride to bring him here and explain personally."

Miss Anderson's mouth had fallen open slightly. "I, well, I’m sure he could have gotten a message to us somehow."

Which was a mistake, and now she practically wilted under Rick Sanchez’s glare.

"We take care of our people," Bayer said simply, the inference being that she wouldn’t understand that, and Bayer’s eyes met mine for a brief moment. Something warm and possessive flickered in their depths before he turned back to Principal Sanchez. "I should also mention that Phoenix asked me to let you know Colton Construction is sponsoring the upcoming summer festival at Minton Elementary. We'll be providing materials for the stage and the world village displays."

Principal Sanchez looked like he might cry with happiness. "That's...that's incredibly generous. We've been struggling with the budget for that." He inhaled and turned his attention to me. “Danny, Mr. Olsen—”

“Bayer, please.”

Rick Sanchez nodded and looked back at me. “Bayer is completely correct that you shouldn’t have risked your health in traveling all this way, even though we appreciate you getting the news to us. I want you to take the week off, Danny.” He turned to Miss Anderson. “You should return to your classroom.” She blinked at the obvious dismissal.

I opened my mouth, but as actual words failed to materialize, I closed it again.

Bayer reached out to shake Rick’s hand, then turned to me. “I’ll take you home.”

I stood, completely awed by the dominance in Bayer’s tone. I’d never heard him speak with such authority.

We walked out of the office in silence, my mind racing to process what had just happened. The moment we were out of earshot, I grabbed Bayer's arm, pulling him to a stop in the empty hallway.

"What the hell was that?" I hissed, keeping my voice low despite the emotions churning inside me. "Community outreach? Insurance? A new phone?"

Bayer looked down at me, his expression unreadable. "You needed help."

"I didn't ask for your help," I snapped, though there wasn't much heat behind it. The truth was, I was equal parts furious, confused, and pathetically grateful.

"No, you didn't," he agreed, his voice maddeningly calm. "But you needed it anyway."

I clutched the new phone in my hand, feeling its unfamiliar weight. "And this? How am I supposed to explain this to my mom? Or the car I’m suddenly able to afford?"

"The phone is from the pack. And there is a car—a Honda Civic, five years old, good condition. You can borrow it while we sort yours out."

I stared at him, speechless. "You can't just...you can't just fix everything with money and lies." And I didn’t trust this. Bayer. I didn’t dare let myself trust this. I’d learned my lesson too well before.

"It wasn't a lie. You are helping with community outreach. The pack's building a new community center on the edge of town. Emery's idea, actually."

"That's not the point!" My voice rose slightly before I caught myself. "The point is you can't just waltz in here and take over my life like this. I don't need some...some bossy alpha wannabe throwing his weight around to rescue me."

As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I regretted them. Why was I being such a bitch when Bayer had probably just saved my job?

Bayer's expression hardened, just a fraction. "Is that what you think I'm doing?"

I didn’t have an answer, and shame curled in my belly. Emery had told me how distressed Bayer was about not being what he considered a good enough alpha.

He took a step closer, and I had to tilt my head back to maintain eye contact. "You're not charity," he said, his voice low and intense. "You're pack."

"I'm human," I whispered.

"That doesn't matter." His eyes searched mine, and I felt that same strange pull I'd experienced yesterday in his arms. "Emery's human too."

"Emery's different. He's Phoenix's mate." The words hung between us, loaded with everything I wasn't saying.

For a moment, Bayer's composure slipped, and I caught a glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes that made my chest ache. Then it was gone, replaced by that same quiet strength.

"Emery wants you to come to his house while you recover." He gestured to Kaylan, who was standing next to a red Honda. "Kaylan will drive it back to the pack. Emery said I couldn’t take no for an answer."