"Okay, Great-Grandma." Jared nodded obediently, his voice steady, his posture respectful in a way that reminded me how naturally he responded to the presence of an Alpha elder.
As Francis moved to escort Harriet, I reached for Jared and drew him closer to my side, my instincts aligning with the subtle need to keep him within my immediate space. "Jared, return to your room first. I'll call you later," I told him, keeping my tone calm but firm.
"Okay." He answered without hesitation, though his bright eyes briefly shifted toward Erica. The moment their gazes nearly met, Erica quickly lowered her head, pretending to focus on her phone, her instincts revealing a flicker of discomfort she tried to conceal.
After Jared went upstairs, Francis and Naomi returned to the room. "Where's Jared?" Francis asked, his tone carrying a familiar undertone of attachment that didn't go unnoticed by those sensitive to pack hierarchy.
