Helena's POV
This apartment feels different from the one above the club. Much smaller. A studio with gorgeous hardwood floors that gleam under the soft lighting. No sofa in sight, just an enormous black bed positioned beneath the single window. A sleek kitchenette occupies one corner while a bathroom door sits on the far side. That's all there is. No walls dividing the space. No doors offering sanctuary. Nowhere to escape.
Their presence burns behind me. Patrick has positioned himself against the kitchen counter while Asher stands near the window. The casual way they occupy the space makes my skin crawl with awareness.
Aria writhes beneath my skin like a caged animal. Being this close to their wolves sends her into overdrive. She pushes for a partial shift, desperate to mark them both the way she marked Leo. But I can't let that happen. Not now. Maybe not ever.
"I need to clean up," I announce, my voice coming out shakier than intended. "By myself."
