PROJECT: CAYRO

Dr. Cantu Maddox:

October 18, 2025

17:04 EST

The NAWC Pack Medical Clinic

Pidgeon Forge, TN.

“Dr. Maddox, Lord Lycotonu wants a word with you,” my lead nurse, Gretchen, said from the office doorway.

I glanced up from the medical file I’d been reviewing, momentarily surprised. “Thank you, Gretchen. I’ll head over to NAWC headquarters right away,” I said, already reaching for my coat.

She hesitated. “Um... Sir, he’s actually here. In the waiting room.”

I froze, halfway into my coat. Here? Zak never just showed up without notice. That wasn’t his style. “Uh... well, send him in!” I replied, trying not to let my surprise show.

“Yes, Sir,” she said, slipping out.

A few moments later, Gretchen returned with the King of the Wolves himself in tow. I stood up immediately, out of respect, as Zak entered the room. Gretchen bowed and quietly exited, leaving us alone.

The man who stood before me barely looked nineteen. But the raw power he carried, the aura of command—it was undeniable. I’d seen him tear down the old council members with my own eyes and claim his rightful place as king. His youthful appearance meant nothing in the face of that memory.

“My Lord, it’s an honor to have you visit me,” I said respectfully.

“Cantu... how many times do I have to tell you? Just call me Zak,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“I’ll do my best, Sir,” I capitulated, though my tone held a hint of playfulness. “What brings you here today?”

“Sit down, Doctor. This isn’t a formal visit,” Zak said, taking a seat in one of the chairs opposite my desk. He sat casually, draping one ankle over his knee, his hands resting on his leg as he studied me.

I followed his lead, settling into my own chair. “How’s your mate doing?” I asked, trying to start on a lighter note.

“She’s adjusting to the changes,” he said with a small smile.

“That’s good. These things take time,” I said, nodding.

“I’m giving her all the time she needs,” he replied, though his smile carried the weight of patience stretched thin.

Realizing this wasn’t just a social call, I quickly offered, “Would you like a drink, Zak?”

He shook his head, waving off the offer. “No, Doctor. I’m not here for a friendly chat.” His tone turned more serious, his expression sharpening.

“Oh?” I arched an eyebrow, my heart sinking a little. I enjoyed our occasional conversations, but it seemed this one was different.

“I have a mission, and I need you to lead it,” Zak said bluntly.

“A... mission?” I repeated, caught off guard. “Zak, I’m a doctor. I’m not a field operative. I have no experience leading pack missions.” The words were reflexive, though we both knew they weren’t entirely true.

Zak’s gaze hardened, cutting through my protest. “You can drop the act, Doctor. We both know that was a lie.”

I swallowed, shifting my demeanor. The time for pleasantries was over. I met his eyes directly, not flinching under his gaze. His dominance washed over me, but it had no effect. It never would.

“How long have you known?” I asked quietly, my voice carrying a weight that didn’t need further explanation.

“Since the day we met,” he replied, his tone calm but unwavering.

“Then you know,” I said, my voice steady, “you cannot order me to do anything.”

Zak leaned forward slightly, his expression softening. “I’m not ordering you, Cantu. I’m requesting your help.”

“Why me?” I asked, genuinely curious. “You have plenty of capable wolves at your disposal.”

“Because,” he said seriously, “you’re the one person I trust to handle this.”

His words hit deeper than any command ever could. Trust from the King of the Wolves wasn’t something handed out lightly. I sat back, considering the weight of his request.

“What’s the mission?” I asked after a moment.

“There are three wolves—members of the SkyTeam Pack. They need protection and escort to NAWC,” Zak explained.

I frowned, tilting my head. “Couldn’t the Night Guardians handle that?”

“They’re on standby, awaiting your orders,” he said simply.

I blinked. He’s already planned this out. “You’re serious,” I murmured.

“As much as you may not want to, I’m asking you to do this—for me. For my mate.” His voice softened at the end, and I saw it then: the desperation in his eyes. This wasn’t just another mission. This was personal.

I sighed, looking down, weighing the request. I couldn’t deny him—not after everything the wolves had done for me. And not when he was asking for help, not commanding it. I glanced back up at him and gave my answer.

“I’ll do it,” I said quietly. “Consider it a favor.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Zak replied, pulling a folded piece of paper from his jacket. He handed it to me.

I took the paper, unfolding it. The address scrawled on it hit me like a punch to the gut. My heart lurched, and for a moment, I felt bile rise in my throat. Of all the places...

“I need you to leave within the next couple of hours,” Zak said, his voice firm but not unkind. “Things are in motion, and we can’t afford delays.”

I nodded slowly, folding the paper and slipping it into my pocket. Whether it was a favor or not, this was something I couldn’t avoid.

Grabbing my medical bag and phone, I followed Zak out into the clinic’s lobby. Gretchen stood there, watching us with wide eyes.

“Gretchen, you’re in charge until I return. I’m not sure when that will be,” I instructed.

“Uh... okay, sir. What about your patients?” she asked, her voice faltering slightly.

“They’ll be in good hands. You’ve been by my side long enough to handle it,” I reassured her.

She blushed at the compliment, nodding before bowing quickly to Zak.

“If you need help, call Dr. Volkova at SkyTeam Aerospace,” Zak added, glancing back at her. “She’ll send one of her best.”

With that, we stepped out of the clinic, the weight of the mission already settling on my shoulders.