Before Axel went far, he heard Alpha Norman ask Ivan to follow him to the front.
Axel didn't want to care about whatever was going on, or hear whatever was going to be said. But even with that intention, his body betrayed him. He slowed down. He hesitated just outside the doorway.
He stood half-hidden behind the edge of the frame, his hand still resting on the wall as if he needed it to stay steady. He didn't turn back fully, but he listened.
His heartbeat thudded with an irritated heaviness, because despite telling himself to focus on the test, his attention refused to shift away from whatever was happening behind him, especially because it involved Ivan.
Alpha Norman didn't greet anyone or warm up the atmosphere. He just started speaking, his voice clear enough that Axel could hear every word from where he stood.
