Page 34 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

"I'm fine," Julia insists, though she's still shivering. "We need to get back to the wedding preparations. There's still so much to do, and now we've lost nearly a day."

"The only thing you need is rest," I say firmly, my decision already made. "I'm taking you home."

"But the centerpieces haven't been finalized, and the catering meeting is tomorrow morning, and—"

"Julia," I cut her off gently. "The wedding will survive one eveningwithout you."

"I need to at least check in with Courtney," Julia says, finally giving up the ridiculous idea of going back to work. "She can handle everything while I'm gone."

“Actually, no one's seen Courtney at all today.” Seraphina shifts uncomfortably. “I figured you gave her the day off.”

"What? No, we can’t afford to take a day off till after your wedding." Julia straightens, concern flashing across her pale face. "That's not like her at all. She never misses work."

Julia frowns, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

"I'll text her when we get cell reception. I’m sure she has a good reason for not being on-site today."

"Work will still be there for you tomorrow," I say, guiding her firmly toward the door. "Right now, you need rest."

She opens her mouth to protest again, but I can see the moment her exhaustion wins. Her shoulders slump slightly beneath my jacket.

"Come on," I say, tightening my grip on her waist. "Let's get you warmed up."

Percy looks at Julia for a long moment, then back at me. He nods.

"I'll tell everyone you're both safe. We can regroup tomorrow."

“Please rest.” Seraphina squeezes Julia's hand in an uncharacteristic display of affection.

We climb the stairs slowly, Julia leaning more heavily against me with each step. By the time we reach the main floor, I've had enough of watching her struggle and simply lift her into my arms.

"Adrian!" she protests weakly. "Put me down. I can walk."

"Humor me," I retort, carrying her through the corridors of Windfall Manor.

We pass Silverine in the grand foyer. Her violet eyes fix on Julia in my arms, her expression unreadable.

"Adrian!"

My mother steps from the shadows behind Silverine, her eyes widening at the sight of Julia's pallid face pressed against my chest. For a moment, her usual steel gives way to genuine concern.

"Is Julia okay?" Her voice catches, her hand reaching out as if to touch Julia’s head. "We looked everywhere for you."

She cuts herself off, the momentary softness hardening back into determination.

"Whoever did this will answer to the pack."

"Count on it," I reply, moving past her without stopping.

Outside, the evening air is crisp and cool. Julia shivers again, and I tuck her closer against my chest before settling her in my truck. I wrap my jacket more securely around her shoulders and crank the heater to maximum.

"You don't have to do this," she says as I climb into the driver's seat. "I could stay at the manor."

"You need rest, not more stress." I pull away from the grand estate, watching it recede in my rearview mirror. "And I need to know you're safe. Plus, not one would believe a wolf could leave his mate behind when she’s exhausted and danger lurks."

And I don’t think I could leave you behind, even if I tried. My wolf growls inside my chest just at the thought. No, I definitely couldn’t.

Julia doesn't argue further, which tells me just how exhausted she truly is. She leans her head against the window, her breath creating small clouds of fog on the glass. The truck's heater battles against the chill, but she still shivers.