Parker's POV
The morning drive to Obsidian Moon Pack felt longer than usual. Derek's cryptic phone call from the night before kept replaying in my mind. Something about a researcher who would shock me, someone I needed to meet immediately. His urgency had been unusual, even for him.
When I reached the pack border, Derek stood waiting, his posture tense with anticipation. The moment he saw me, a knowing smirk crossed his face.
"Took you long enough," he said, falling into step beside me.
"Marriage keeps me busy," I replied, though we both knew that wasn't entirely true. These days, being away from home felt more like relief than obligation.
"Right, well forget about wives for now. You're about to have your world turned upside down," Derek said, running his hand through his hair nervously.
I raised an eyebrow. "What's got you so worked up? Is this researcher some kind of celebrity?"
