Chapter 41

When Michael returned, he saw Arec had taken off his suit jacket and sat with his back against the wall. His legs were bent, and he rested his arms on them as he stared at the door across the hallway.

As Michael neared his brother, the door shook as the werewolf inside thudded against the door, rattling it.

“I see she’s awake,” Michael said, handing the plate of food to his brother.

Arec nodded, accepting the plate.

“It’s going to be a long night, so I brought a thermos of coffee,” Michael said, handing Arec the large container.

“Thanks,” he said, opening it and pouring the dark liquid into the cup.

“Do you want me to take a shift?” Michael asked.

Arec shook his head and said, “I’ll be fine.”

Grinning up at his brother, he added, “This won’t be my first overnighter.”

Michael grinned back and said, “Yeah, but you were much younger then.”

Arec rolled his eyes and took a drink of his coffee.

Sobering, Michael said, “I’ll patrol the grounds to make sure the werewolf who