"Sorry, the number you dialed is powered off."


    I exhaled with relief at the automated message. At this hour, Jay was probably still asleep. I quickly typed a text: "Call me when you wake up, then tucked my phone back into my handbag.


    As I turned toward the subway entrance, a car horn sounded behind me. Lucas ckwood''s ck Maybach idled at the curb, its engine purring softly. The powerful Alpha of the Moonstone Pack had waited for me.


    I hesitated, then walked back to the car. Lucas leaned across and opened the passenger door.


    "I thought you might need a ride after all," he said, his expression unreadable.


    I slid into the leather seat, closing the door behind me. "Thank you, but-"


    Remembering his earlier words about our arrangement, I stopped myself. We needed to maintain appearances, especially if Ethan had someone following me.


    Lucas''s lips curved into a gentle smile. "Not bad."


    I gave him a helpless look, and we exchanged smiles. The unspoken distance between us seemed to lessen slightly.


    "I''ve been meaning to ask," I said as he pulled away from the curb. "What happened with the switched identities at that blind date? I was expecting you, but Miles ckwood showed up instead."


    Lucas''s expression darkened, "Isabelle Stone rushed out in front of my car that evening. I identally hit her."


    My eyes widened. "Is she alright?"


    "Nothing serious. I took her to the Silvercrest Pack Medical Den, which is why Miles went in my ce." His hands tightened on the steering wheel. I never imagined he would try to harm you."


    The pieces suddenly clicked together. "So it was Isabelle who conspired with Miles to drug me.


    Lucas nodded grimly, "I believe so. I''m sorry for inadvertently causing you trouble."


    I studied his profile, noticing his obvious difort. “Isabelle is infatuated with you, isn''t she?"


    "What?" His head snapped toward me, genuine surprise in his eyes. "No. Absolutely not. I don''t like her. I have nothing to do with her."


    His earnest denial made me smile. "You don''t need to exin yourself to me, Lucas. Our arrangement is purely for mutual benefit, remember?"


    He seemed to rx, sensing my indifference. "Speaking of Isabelle, what do you n to do about her? I could help if you''d like."


    I shook my head. "I appreciate the offer, but I''ll handle it myself."


    As we approached Canis Enterprises, Lucas pulled over a few blocks away.


    "Better if we''re not seen arriving together at your workce."


    clopter of Uniqpected R


    I nodded in agreement. "Thank you for the ride."


    "Until next time, Miss Winters," he said formally, in case anyone was watching.


    I waved goodbye and walked toward thepany building. Through the rearview mirror, I could see Lucas watching until I disappeared from night before driving away


    The workday passed in a blur of meetings and design consultations. My mind kept drifting to Hunter Morgan and what information he might