His plan was simple: act as bait.
He counted on Addison's sharp mind to recognize the distraction and run when the coast was clear. But Addison… she couldn't bring herself to leave.
Because what Levi had done—abandoning his post, defying the Alpha's order—could only be seen as betrayal. And once caught, the punishment would be severe. Possibly fatal.
She didn't want to let him face that alone.
But her body betrayed her. She was too weak—barely able to lift a hand, let alone run. Her voice came out broken, barely above a whisper.
"No… no… you can't leave… We have to get out of here… together…"
But Levi had already created distance between himself and Addison, darting off in a different direction. He skillfully erased his tracks and further masked Addison's scent, carefully placing her small frame in a secluded part of the forest—hidden beneath a layer of branches and foliage that blended naturally into the surroundings.
