** Jake’s POV **

The thought that I shouldn’t have left hits me hard and sudden, but I don’t know why.

I’m halfway down the corridor in the clinic, the faint hum of the lights buzzing overhead, when something in my chest pulls tight. Not the mate bond exactly, but close enough that every instinct I have sharpens in response. Something is wrong.

I stop, my hand resting against the lab door. I’d told myself I needed a minute. Just a little space to get my head straight before I went ...