Chapter 76

Victoria The chaotic energy at Devil's Lair gradually gave way to focused purpose as Leo and Carson finalized our assault plan. I should have been there with them, but Leo had insisted I take these final hours to put my affairs in order. "Just in case," he'd said, though neither of us wanted to acknowledge what that meant. I drove back to Howlthorne estate with Tiny as my silent companion, my mind racing through contingency plans. If tonight went wrong—if I didn't return—the pack needed leadership stability. "You're overthinking," Tiny rumbled from the driver's seat, his eyes never leaving the road. I glanced at him. "Is it that obvious?" "Your scent changes when you worry. Gets sharper, like pine needles." He shrugged his massive shoulders. "Leo does the same thing." The comparison made me smile despite everything. "How long have you served him?" "Served?" Tiny's laugh was a deep rumble. "I don't serve Leo. I follow him. Big difference." "Tell me," I said, genuinely curious. Tiny was