Guilt tightened in my chest the moment I heard Alex's words. My instincts immediately turned inward, blaming myself for neglecting my father's health.
"It's my fault for not paying enough attention to Dad's condition," I said quietly, my voice weighed with regret. "Mr. Hunter, you must inform me immediately if anything happens to him."
Alex's gaze softened, but there was something hopeful beneath it—something carefully hidden but still visible to my instincts.
"President Tillman didn't want you to worry," he replied gently. "That's why I wasn't allowed to tell you earlier. But Miss Tillman… please be ready. You may need to take over the pack's company within the next two years."
The words struck like a territorial pressure drop.
Take over the company. Lead the pack structure. Step into a position I was never fully trained for.
My breath tightened slightly. The weight of it settled over me like an inherited Alpha responsibility I wasn't ready to carry.
