Sera glanced at him, suspicious. "What is it?"
He hesitated, then plunged ahead. "Did you sleep with the alpha?"
"Yes," Sera answered, simply.
"Was there a point," he continued, words slowing, "that felt… painful? Like he sort of—" He cleared his throat when he noticed the color climbing up her cheeks. "Expanded?"
Her blush deepened, spreading. She nodded again. "Yes?"
"Oh fuck."
He dragged a hand down his face, heart pounding now, instincts howling. Everything he'd been quietly fearing snapped into terrifying clarity.
"Benedict?" Sera asked, suddenly alarmed. "What is it?"
He grabbed her wrist firmly, urgency vibrating through him. "Go to my quarters. Now. I will tell the alpha you've gone to Lina's."
"What? Benedict—"
"Go," he snapped, then softened instantly at her startled expression. "Trust me, Sera. Please. I'll bring you some tea, okay? Fill up my bathtub and get inside. Immediately. Hurry. Take the back door."
