I headed down the stairs, taking in the unusual stillness of the pack house. Every door was closed, which wasn’t the norm, especially on our floor. It gave me an eerie feeling, and I decided to make my way to the kitchen to find Luna Ava or Alpha Michael to get some answers.

As I reached the first-floor landing, a tall warrior stopped me with a firm hand raised.

“Miss, we’re on lockdown. You need to return to your room,” he said, towering over me with a seriousness that made my stomach flip. I recognized him as one of the warriors from the final trial phase—a massive man who looked like he could take down a wall without blinking.

“Lockdown?” I asked, frowning. “I just came down for breakfast. What happened?”

“Please return to your room,” he repeated without answering.

I crossed my arms, mirroring his stance. “Listen, I live here on the third floor, and I haven’t heard about any lockdowns. Can I at least get some food?” My stomach growled in agreement, reminding me how little I’d eaten last night with all the talking.

The warrior’s stern expression softened slightly as he took me in, his brow raising. “You live here?”

“Yes,” I said, standing my ground. “If it’s lockdown, I’ll go back to my room, but I’d appreciate some breakfast first. You know you all put me through the wringer yesterday.”

The warrior gave me a begrudging nod. “I’ll see what I can do, but please head back up,” he said, his voice lowering as if sharing a secret. “It’s not safe right now, Selene.”

My eyebrows shot up. How did he know my name? “Thank you, Warrior…?”

“Hogan,” he replied, a small twitch of amusement on his lips. “I’ll get you food, little one. Go on now.”

I turned to head back up, but not before catching a whiny, grating voice echoing from the top of the stairs. I groaned internally.

“Why is she allowed to walk around freely while the rest of us are cooped up?” Stacey demanded, descending the stairs with an air of superiority and annoyance.

Warrior Hogan’s slight smile faded, and I couldn’t help but notice the twitch of frustration in his clenched jaw. He glanced at me as if to say, You’re not the only one dealing with this.

“You’ve already been informed, child,” Hogan said, addressing her with a forced calm. “The Alpha King ordered everyone to stay where they were placed until further notice. We’re under lockdown as a precaution.”

Stacey’s eyes flashed as she looked between Hogan and me, her lips forming a pout. “If she can roam freely, then I can too.”

I rolled my eyes, catching Hogan’s almost imperceptible eye roll as he shot me a look of solidarity. He might have been dealing with her attitude all night for all I knew.

“Actually, Stacey, I just came down to check in. I’ll be heading back up to join the guys now—they were passed out when I left,” I said, giving her a pointed look before glancing back at Hogan. “I’ll catch you later, Warrior Hogan.”

A brief flicker of approval crossed Hogan’s face as he nodded. “Yes, Selene. Make sure to find me before you leave,” he said, and it surprised me to hear him use my name so easily. This warrior was serious, but he seemed oddly protective, like he was keeping tabs on me. I made a mental note to ask the guys later what they knew about him.

Stacey gave a haughty sniff, watching my every move. “How did you end up on the third floor, Selene?” Her nose wrinkled as if she’d caught a whiff of something unpleasant, likely my hoodie, which carried traces of the twins’ scent.

Hogan, however, cut her off. “Selene lives here, and I don’t believe her housing arrangements are any of your concern, Miss Stacey.”

Stacey spun to him, indignant. “For your information, I’m going to be the next Luna. Knowing my name should be a priority for you,” she snapped, a nasty edge to her voice.

Hogan straightened, and it was like the entire room shrank beneath his towering presence. “If the Moon Goddess herself were to bless you as Luna,” he said in a steely tone, “then I would know your name. Until then, you’re simply another pack member, and I would suggest you respect those around you.” He leveled her with a glare that silenced her completely.

Just then, his eyes glazed over, and I could tell he was receiving a mind link. “Selene, your Luna would like to see you. Take the elevator behind me. Nickolas is waiting for you.”

Stacey’s face twisted, and Hogan’s gaze hardened. “And you, Miss Stacey, will be escorted back to your assigned room. This is your last warning.”

I gave Hogan a nod, mouthing a silent thank you as I slipped away to find Nickolas at the elevator. He gave me a knowing smile.

“So, you’re not going to be as vague as Hogan, right? What’s going on? I went to bed early, and I woke up surrounded by my friends on the floor.”

Nickolas chuckled, his eyes warm. “There was an incident last night after you left. The pack went on lockdown. Some of the guys volunteered to stay in your room to allow our warriors to take their places in the guest rooms and keep watch.”

“Got it,” I said, finally understanding why the pack house was in such a tense state. “Thanks for filling me in. Hogan’s a tough one.”

Nickolas’s smile grew. “Let’s just say he doesn’t give his name out so quickly—must be something about you.”

I let that thought linger as I arrived at the Luna’s suite. Luna Ava greeted me warmly, pulling me inside.

“Selene, I’m so glad you’re here,” she said, ushering me to a seat. “I know the last two days have been intense. Are you doing okay?”

I nodded, feeling the warmth of her concern. “I’m okay, just a little surprised by the lockdown.”

“Yes, it was quite sudden,” she admitted, casting a quick glance at Alpha Michael, who was speaking quietly with Alpha King Reginald across the room. “We’re being extra careful.”

She didn’t give specifics, and I didn’t push. I trusted that the Alphas and Luna knew what they were doing. The last thing I wanted was to be sent back to my room without another word.

Alpha Michael joined us, a small but genuine smile on his face. “Selene, you did well in the trials. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more stories of your progress soon.”

“Thank you, Alpha,” I replied, grateful for his praise but wondering if it had anything to do with what was happening.

He nodded. “Keep that focus—it’ll serve you well.” He glanced at Luna Ava with a soft smile. “Go on and get breakfast. I’m sure Luna Ava would like you to have something in your stomach before we’re finished here.”

I felt the Alpha’s approval, a subtle confidence that lifted some of the morning’s tension. With a nod, I thanked them both and left the suite, feeling a touch lighter. Maybe the pack wasn’t entirely back to normal yet, but we were in capable hands.