The steady hum of the car engine did little to calm my nerves as I stared out the window, watching the landscape blur past. Father had insisted we take the longer route to the neighboring pack for "security reasons," but all I could think about was how it meant more time away from Elara.
"Rhys, are you even listening?" my father's stern voice cut through my thoughts.
"Sorry," I muttered, dragging my attention back to the meeting preparations. "You were saying something about the trade agreements?"
Father sighed, exchanging a knowing look with Beta Marcus in the front seat. "This is exactly why mates are a distraction. Your head isn't where it needs to be."
"I'm fine," I insisted, fighting the urge to check my phone again. I'd texted Elara twice since we left this morning, with only a brief reply about studying. "Just tired."
Ethan nudged me from the other side of the backseat. "She'll be fine for a few days, man. You're acting like a lovesick puppy."
