Page 54 of Bitten, Marked, Obsessed

“Seriously?”

“I know,” he says, sounding truly apologetic. “But your dad’s on his way since I have to go back and see what my pack knows and get the intel needed. But, before he comes, he told me some things that he wants me to share with you.” Callum takes a seat and remains still, waiting for me to sit by him.

I do. “What is it?” I ask nervously.

“It’s about your bloodline. What it really means and why everyone is in more of a frenzy than usual.”

“Because we should be extinct?”

He hesitates. “It’s more than that. Here, hang on. Let me get us a drink before I start.”

22

CALLUM

By the time I make it back to the Hollow, I’m drenched in sweat and guilt.

Now I’m here, walking through the back corridors like I belong—while every cell in my body’s still tuned toher.

Elias is waiting.

He’s leaning against the wall just outside the war room, arms crossed, one brow lifted like he’s been practicing hiswhat-the-fuckface for hours.

“Where the hell have you been?” he says, not even bothering to keep it low. “Your dad’s losing his goddamn mind.”

“Let him,” I mutter.

“He’s in mid-session. Half the council’s here. The other half’s been circling like buzzards since theflagwent off again.”

I stop short. “What do you mean again?”

“Don’t play dumb. Her shift pinged another pulse. Tripped a supernatural net on the west side.”

Fuck.I clench my jaw.

“She’s fine,” I say. “I got her somewhere safe.”

Elias lowers his voice now. “You were withher?”

I just stare.

“Shit, Cal.”

“I didn’t have a choice.”

His expression flickers. “Did you tell her?”

“Some of it.”

“You tellme?”

I exhale hard. “Later.”

He doesn’t look satisfied, but he nods. “Come on. They’re mid-firestorm in there.”

We walk through the narrow hallway toward the old council chamber—what used to be a speakeasy basement, now dressed in cracked stone, old tables, and blood-stained strategy maps. The second we step inside, the heat shifts. All eyes flick to me.

My father’s at the head of the room, pacing like a general before a battle. His voice echoes through the space.

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