Aiden frowned, torn between the call and his daughter. “Lyra, stay here for a moment, okay? Daddy has to take this call. It’s important.”
Lyra nodded obediently, though her excitement dimmed slightly. “Okay, Daddy.”
Aiden stepped away, his voice low as he answered the call. “Maria, this isn’t a good time—”
[Aiden, I need you.] Maria’s voice purred through the phone, laced with urgency and allure. [There’s something you need to know—I can’t explain over the phone, but I need your help. It’s critical.]
Aiden’s resolve wavered. “Can it wait? I’m with Lyra right now.”
[It’s urgent, Aiden. You’re the only one I trust to handle this.]
Aiden’s sense of duty clashed with his instincts as a father. He glanced back at Lyra, who was picking wildflowers by the spring, blissfully unaware of the turmoil unfolding.
“Fine, I’ll be there soon,” Aiden finally conceded, his decision a reluctant surrender.
Hanging up, Aiden returned to Lyra, his expression conflicted.
“Lyra, something came up. I need to go back to the pack. I’m sending some of the guards to walk you home. Tobias, you know my Beta, right? You’ll be safe with him.”