Richard’s POV
The drive to school was tense, suffocating almost. Mia sat beside me, staring out the window, her silence a heavy weight in the car. She hadn't spoken a word since her call with Jasmine earlier that morning.
I didn't care if they fired me, all that mattered was Mia. Losing her was a fate worse than any punishment the pack or anyone could dish out.
"Mia," I finally started, my voice hoarse. "Are you okay?"
She turned towards me, a glimmer of pain in her eyes before quickly looking away. "Yeah," she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper.
I squeezed the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white. "We can talk about it, you know. Whatever's bothering you…"
Another beat of silence. "There's nothing to talk about," she said finally, her voice flat.
Frustration bubbled up inside
