Once in the car, Alaric began discussing tomorrow's plans, his voice carrying a forced cheerfulness that didn't reach his eyes."I've prepared a birthday surprise for you," he said, reaching over to squeeze my hand. "After I find another Moon flower herb, we can plan for having a pup together, okay? I know how much you've wanted that."The mention of a pup made my chest tighten. How many times had I brought it up over the years only to be met with excuses?Now that he needed to secure his hold on me? Now that he feared I might slip away? I bit back these bitter thoughts.The car had barely made it past the pack borders when his phone rang. Alaric stiffened visibly, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the steering wheel. He glanced at the screen, then at me, before quickly pulling over to the shoulder of the road."I need to take this," he muttered, already reaching for his phone.He answered, his brow furrowing deeply, his voice dropping to a hesitant whisper. "Yes? Now? But I'm on m
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