MEANWHILE AT QUERCIA HEADQUARTERS

His steps echoed through the empty halls as he made his way into the office and poured himself a drink. The ice clinked noisily together in the glass as Alessandro tipped it, taking a long swig of whiskey. His patience had grown thin. How long did it take to interrogate one shifter?

The phone buzzed, displaying his beta’s name on the screen.

“Alpha, you wanted a progress report.”

“Yes. Why is this taking so long? Over a ...