I hold Tansy’s hand as we walk quietly back toward the house, then through the kitchen where Cass’s hired chef has a team of betas moving in a quiet, efficient rhythm. Pans sizzle on the stove, a low voice checking on the dishes.
I guide Tansy straight into the living room, where Beck is looming over the couch, rearranging the pillows for the fifth time today. The beta looks good in his fitted gray slacks and baby blue polo. It’s tucked in, his belt and shoes matching perfectly.
Beck looks up the second we step into the room, his face splitting into an overly excited smile that’s a little too wideand a little too forced. It’s like he’s trying to will the tension out of the air through sheer enthusiasm.
“Hey!” he says brightly. “There you are. Wow, you look great.” His eyes flick over Tansy in quick approval before snapping back to her face. “Everything’s totally fine. We’re totally fine.”
Tansy smiles, clearly thankful for his vibrant energy.
I arch a brow at him. “Where’s Cass?”
“Office,” Beck answers immediately, nodding a little too fast. “He and Warren have been in there for a bit.”
I squeeze Tansy’s hand once, kiss her cheek, then let go. “I’ll go grab them,” I say. “You stay here with Beck, okay?”
She nods, and Beck slides closer to her like it’s his job to keep her distracted. “I’ve got her,” he says, still smiling hard.
I turn and head down the hall toward Cass’s office, already bracing myself for whatever mood I’m about to walk into.
I knock once on Cass’s office door and step inside without waiting.
Both of them look up, and I nod.
They’re standing near the desk, mid-conversation, both dressed sharp enough that it takes me a second to recalibrate. Cass is in a dark suit that fits him like it was tailored with a purpose, jacket structured, shoulders broad, everything about it perfect down to the stitches. Warren’s suit is lighter, a dark charcoal instead of black, with crisp lines. The kind of clean look that makes him seem even more composed than usual.
I glance down at myself before I can stop it. Slacks. A simple dress shirt, sleeves rolled neatly at my forearms. I’m clean and pressed, but plain. For half a second, I wonder if I missed a memo. Then I shove the thought aside. I’m not changing now.
Warren is already talking again. “Are you sure they’re not going to show up with cops?” he asks, voice low but edged. “I know I would if my daughter was kidnapped and mated without my knowledge.”
Cass doesn’t hesitate. “I’m sure,” he says. “They want to see her. That’s it.”
Warren exhales through his nose, not fully convinced. “You’re betting a lot on that.”
Cass’s jaw tightens slightly, but his voice stays even. “I’m betting on the fact that Tansy’s twenty-seven with no other prospects. The last thing her parents want is for her to be left all alone with no pack or protection, while we rot in prison.”
I clear my throat, stepping fully into the room. “They should be here soon,” I say, pointing at my wrist. I’m not wearing a watch, but they get the idea.
“Where’s Tansy?” Cass asks.
“She’s in the living room with Beck,” I say. “But fair warning, he’s trying to out-smile the tension. It’s working.”
Warren huffs despite himself, and Cass’s mouth twitches, barely.
“Okay.” Cass grabs his cane. “Let’s go.”
We head into the living room together, and Tansy draws my attention immediately. She’s standing a few feet from the front door, hands clasped in front of her, posture tight, eyes fixed on the wood like she’s expecting it to explode any second now.
Warren steps in close without warning and presses a quick kiss to her cheek.
She startles, shoulders jumping, then lets out a breathless, nervous laugh when she realizes it’s him.
“Sorry,” Warren says. “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s fine,” she says too fast, smoothing herhands down the front of her dress like she can iron the tension out of herself. “I was just thinking.” A nervous laugh bubbles from her throat. “I’m good.” She licks her lips, then turns back to the door. “Everything’s good.”
Then the doorbell rings.
Cass moves first.
