Derrick's POV
I was having an afternoon nap—or trying to, at least. Sleep had been a stranger lately, slipping through my fingers every time I closed my eyes. My mind had been restless, haunted by thoughts I didn't want to admit, by a face I kept pretending I didn't miss.
A knock landed on my door.
At first, I ignored it. Whoever it was could wait. I wasn't in the mood for anything or anyone.
But then a voice followed. Muffled, but familiar.
"Alpha. It's Felix."
I sighed, rubbing my face with both hands before forcing myself upright on the bed. "Come in."
The door creaked open, and Felix stepped in, his expression unreadable but not cold. He stood at attention for a second, then shut the door behind him.
"Well?" I asked, already irritated without knowing why.
"I just thought you should know," Felix said slowly, "Nathan's unwell."
My spine stiffened.
"What do you mean 'unwell'?"
"He has a high fever. He can't even move from his bed and can't talk."
