Marcus arrived just after sunrise, long before the rest of the pack had even begun to stir. The knock on the front door was firm. Marcus never wasted time on pleasantries when something this important was at stake.

Roman opened the door before the second knock landed. Marcus was already in training gear, a bag over his shoulder and a grim set to his jaw.

“Did you sleep at all?” Marcus asked, stepping inside.

Roman shook his head. “Barely.”

“Good. Being too rested makes you ...