Penelope pov

The next week, Timothy shows up at my apartment unannounced. He looks exhausted, stressed, like he hasn't slept in days.

"What's wrong?" I ask immediately.

"Nothing, I just," he pauses. "Can I come in? I just need to not be Alpha for a few hours."

I let him in, he collapsed on my couch and closed his eyes.

"Rough week?" I ask, sitting in the chair across from him.

"You have no idea," Timothy mutters. "Pack disputes, financial problems, security concerns, Council meetings. It's ...