In the hallway, Benjamin's hands were shaking. He pressed them against his thighs, willing them to still. He pulled out his phone, and his fingers moved quickly, dialing a number that wasn't saved in his contacts.
The phone rang once. Twice.
A voice answered, low and distorted. "Yes?"
Benjamin's throat was dry. He swallowed, forcing the words out.
"Go ahead with it."
"Are you sure?"
Benjamin nodded. "The time is now."
He ended the call. His hand dropped to his side, the phone dangling from his fingers. He stood there for a long moment, staring at nothing, before walking away.
Inside the pack house, Vessara paced the length of the sitting room.
Susan watched from the armchair, her hands folded in her lap. "You need to stay calm, dear. Pacing won't make him arrive any faster."
"I know, I know." Vessara ran her fingers through her hair, tugging at the ends. "I just—I can't sit still. What if he doesn't—"
A car horn sounded from outside.
