I limped into the pack house. Every step was a struggle because I still refused Nix and Megan’s offer to heal me. I needed to smell of antiseptic and blood.

"You are as dumb as Rowan," Nix growled as I forced myself up the stairs. I walked slower than necessary, hoping to fuel pack gossip.

An omega approached and offered his hand. "Thank you, Jeffrey," I gasped as he helped me ascend the stairs.

His smile was soft. "You remembered my name?"

I smiled back. "Of course. You brought me lunch a few times." He nodded. "Why wouldn't I remember your name, then?"

"Most Alphas wouldn't," he whispered, as if sharing a secret.

I laughed. "I'm not like other Alphas." The laugh forced a pause, followed by a cough. Blood spurted from my mouth, but I wiped it away with my shirt.

"Are you okay?" His voice was soft, worried.

I nodded. "I just need to get to my office to finish my work."

"Last of your work? Are you going somewhere?"

I nodded, letting my chin wobble slightly. "I am. I got approval to transfer out of the pack." He gasped.

"Why?" His grip tightened. "I know the omegas here were looking forward to having you as our Luna. And now you're leaving?"

I sighed, pausing as we reached the top of the stairs. "I can't stay here, Jeffrey. Shannon is going to be your Luna, and I can't stay and watch it happen." I was laying it on thick, needing him to spread the word.

"When are you leaving?" His question was pained.

I blinked, forcing a tear to fall. "Tonight." I turned to him. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Anything." He smiled sadly.

"Can you tell the pack? If anyone wants to say goodbye, they can stop by the house. I'm having dinner with Rick and Alannah, but anyone can drop in. Please tell the parents of the pups; I used to help with their class and want to say goodbye."

He nodded. "It would be my pleasure." We proceeded to my office. I was exhausted by the time we arrived. "Amy?" Jeffrey hesitated as I shuffled to my desk and sank into the chair.

"Yeah?" I sighed, closing my eyes to breathe for a moment.

"It's been a pleasure to serve you." My eyes snapped open as he bowed, nearly hitting his head on the corner of my desk. "I hope this move will give you everything you've ever wanted."

I felt real tears burn as I smiled at him. "Thank you, Jeffrey." He turned and left me alone in my office. I pulled out my laptop, connecting it to the desktop with an ethernet cord. Once everything was ready, I started the program I created with the backdoor password. Once running, I turned back to the office computer to fight off the attacks.

"Shit," I realized, remembering I'd forgotten to text Rowan. I quickly sent a quick "I'm here" text, then returned to work.

I pushed out the attackers quickly. When the fax arrived, I hobbled to the machine to retrieve it. I had just folded it when I heard a smash from above. I smirked, stumbling back to my desk.

I sank into my chair with a sigh and looked at the screen. The laptop had reached the mainframe and was copying everything. I smiled, but my victory was short-lived as another attack began.

I was bent over the keyboard when Vince stormed into the outer office. Panic bubbled beneath the surface as I looked at the laptop and saw it was only about halfway done.

"Where is she?" he screamed, assuming Rick was in the office.

My eyes darted from the door to the screen. Fifty-seven percent. Fuck.

The door to Rick's office slammed open, and silence followed. I moved my laptop closer to my work computer, completely hiding the screen from the doorway just before the door opened.

"Hello," I called out, my eyes fixed on the screen as if the attack were more difficult than it was.

Vince stared silently. "You are here?"

I looked down at myself and then back up at him. He flinched at my face. "Yeah…"