~ Lucian’s POV

The meeting dragged on longer than I would have liked. Despite the urgency of the situation, I found my attention wavering. I glanced at my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, mentally calculating how much time I had left before breakfast with Bella. I hated breaking promises, especially to her.

"Alpha Lucian, we need your input on how to address the media's response to the leak," Elaine said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Keep the response brief," I said firmly. ...