bChapter /bb184 /b

    Thorne’s POV

    1 shoved the prescription bottle into my pocket and pulled out my phone.

    The search bar lit up as i typed. I needed to find out about this rare medicine. It wasn’t something you just picked up anywhere. Only three pharmacies in the entire city had the permit to stock it.

    I had the addresses for all three, so I didn’t waste any time. I stepped out of Vessa’s room, heading for the car parked in the driveway. The sleek ck vehicle still sat there, a reminder of how everything had shifted so quickly. I slid into the driver’s seat and revved the engine, steering out of the driveway.

    The streets were packed. The rally crowd had flooded the main roads, making the usual traffic unbearable. I took the first side street I could find, weaving through the back alleys and avoiding the masses.

    Fifteen minutester, I pulled up at the first pharmacy.

    I walked inside, the bell over the door ringing with an annoying jangle. The pharmacist behind the counter barely acknowledged my presence, eyes locked on the screen of his game.

    “Prescription?” he asked without looking up.

    I dropped the bottle onto the counter with a dull thud.

    “I need the list of patients who’ve been prescribed this,” I said, my tone even.

    The pharmacist didn’t even flinch, just snorted and barely paused his game. “Ever heard of patient confidentiality?”

    I slid a hundred–dor bill across the counter.

    “How about now?” I asked, watching his eyes flicker to the money

    For the first time, he paused the game, his eyes lifting to meet mine. The moment they did, his face went white.

    “You-!” His voice cracked, “You’re Alpha Thorne!”

    I raised a brow. I hadn’t expected recognition so quickly here in Blood Moon Pack.

    “You were the one who helped Princess ra kill the Rogue King, right? It’s all over the news!” The pharmacist was practically glowing, excitement bubbling out of him.

    “My wife and kids are at the rally right now! They’re going to lose it when I tell them you were in here!”

    I tapped the bill with my finger, cutting him off. “I just need that list. Can you handle that?”

    “Of course! Anything for you, Alpha!”

    He scrambled to theputer, printing out a list of names. I scanned it quickly.

    No Vessa.

    I couldn’t hide the disappointment in my chest, but I forced myself to smile. “Thanks,” I muttered, pocketing the list.

    The pharmacist, still starstruck, watched me with wide eyes. “Are you getting back with Princess ra? The whole city’s talking about it.

    bChapter /bb184 /b

    bWe’re /ball hoping for a bwedding /bbsoon-/b”

    bI /bbcouldn’t /bhelp the small smile that tugged at my lips. “That’s what I’m hoping for toob,/b” I said quietlyb, /bbthe /bwords feeling heavier than t Intended.

    The man’s face lit up. “I knew it! My wife said it was over between you two, but I know better! You still love her!i” /i

    I nodded, setting the paper back on the counter. “Tell your wife I’ll do whatever it takes to win back the heart of your princess.

    “I will! Fingers crossed for you, Alpha!” he yelled after me as I left the store, the door chiming behind me.

    The next pharmacy didn’t pan out either. I headed to thest one, the furthest from the packhouse, hoping for better luck.

    And then, I saw it–Vessa’s name.

    I breathed out a sigh of relief and stepped up to the counter.

    “I’ve got what I need. Thank you,” I said.

    The staff, like thest ce, recognized me instantly. “Alpha Thorne, are you chasing ba /bcriminal or something? Should we call bthe /bcops?b” /b

    “No police. Just need to know when her next refill is due.”

    The employee typed away at theputer before looking up. “Her refill’s today.”

    I nodded, a weight lifting off my chest. “Thank you. And don’t tell anyone I was here.”

    The staff member, eager to please, nodded enthusiastically. “Of course, Alpha. Anything you

    need.”

    I walked out of the store and hid behind a billboard, watching for Vessa.

    Three hours passed.

    But then, there she was, rounding the corner and heading toward the pharmacy.

    “Vessa!”

    She froze, her eyes locking with mine, but she didn’t hesitate. She spun on her heel and started running, panic etched on her face.

    “Vessa, wait!”

    I moved fast, pushing through the crowd that had gathered after the rally. People shouted my name, but all I could focus on was her.

    “Alpha Thorne!” they cheered, blocking my view of her.

    I forced my way through the mass of bodies, shouting her name again.

    “Vessa!”

    I caught a glimpse of her, the red scarf fluttering as she disappeared into a narrow alley.

    I followed, dodging past thest few people and sprinting down the alley after her.

    She was fast, but I was determined.

    I saw her climb the fire escapedder, and my heart skipped a beat.

    SO PII INAUG

    b“/bVessa, wait!”

    She nced back, her eyes wide with fear.

    b“/bYou’re here because Cael sent you, right?” she snapped. “Tell that bastard to leave me alone! We’re donel

    She made it to the third floor. Just as I reached the bottom of thedder, the door at the top mmed open.

    ra stood there, a smirk on her face.

    “I knew you’d be here,” ra said, raising an eyebrow.

    Vessa hissed under her breath. “Damn it. Should’ve known better than to give you my hideout.”

    “But you did. Because we’re friends,”

    replied smoothly, her gaze flicking to me.

    Thorne’s eyes narrowed. “I’m here for her. Same as you.”

    ra’s gaze softened. “Enough, both of you. Let’s talk.”

    Vessa growled, rolling her eyes. “Fine. But I’ve got nothing to say.”

    ra gestured toward the door. “At least invite us in for coffee? We won’t push.”

    Vessa sighed in frustration, but there was no stopping her. “Fine. Come on in.”

    She led us through the fire escape, and into a cramped, messy apartment.

    Vessa tossed her scarf onto the bed, crossing her arms defensively.

    “So? What do you want?” she asked, voice tight.

    ra nced at herb, /bconcern shing in her eyes. “Why did

    leave Cael?b” /b

    Vessa’s face darkened, her fists clenching. “You wouldn’t understand.”

    “I might,” ra said softly. “But you won’t let me if you don’t talk.”

    田

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