The healer looked at the phone. Then at Dakota. Then, very carefully, at Elena—as if perhaps someone else might volunteer to die in his place.
No one did.
Because everyone understood the impossible truth: he could risk displeasing the Alpha. He could not risk disobeying Dakota. Kade Nightshade might punish a mistake. But if that mistake caused distress to his Luna, he might kill over it. The healer knew which danger was survivable.
He walked back. Picked up the phone. With the solemn expression of a man approaching execution, he dialed.
Dakota watched from the pillows like a queen overseeing a military dispatch. Elena folded her lips inward to keep from smiling. Erin stepped closer, clearly unwilling to miss whatever happened next.
The line rang once. Twice. Connected.
The healer straightened instantly. "Alpha." His voice became almost ceremonial.
Across the room, Dakota made a sharp little gesture. Say it.
