“Could something have happened to Luna Joyce, Alpha?” Barney Easton, Toby’s butler and one of the betas in his pack, asked hesitantly. “Her screams last night were heartbreaking, and I haven’t heard her pup make any noise in a long time…” 

Toby took a sip of his coffee before snorting disapprovingly. “I know Joyce better than any of you. She’s deliberately howling mournfully so that you’ll hear her, because she thinks that she’ll be forgiven if she just acts pitiful! I must teach her a lesson this time so that she won’t dare mess with Cissy in the future!” 

Barney glanced toward the basement before saying quietly, “But Luna Joyce’s pup is weak, and the healer mentioned that the pup needs to be hospitalized regularly.” 

Toby paused in his drinking, looking hesitant. “Is that so?” 

As he stirred his coffee with a spoon, a trace of hesitation flashed through his eyes. “Alright. Fine. Let Luna Joyce make me a cup of coffee, then have her apologize to Cissy! If she apologizes sincerely, I’ll send her and her pup to the hospital.” 

Toby then heated a glass of warm milk before walking into the guest bedroom. 

Cecilia Mallory was lying on the bed inside, breathing evenly. The blanket had been tossed aside, and her beautiful figure peeked out from beneath her nightdress. 

Toby swallowed at the sight, his Adam’s apple bobbing. He stared at her for a long time, unable to look away, before leaning down to kiss her on the lips.