The Unseen Guest

**Alpha Zaire’s POV**

"Make it quick, Cade," I gritted through my teeth. The sting of the antiseptic against my raw, shredded flesh sent a fresh wave of agony radiating down my spine.

"Alpha, I must advise against this," Cade muttered, his hands hovering over the horrific lattice of whip marks covering my back. He kept his gaze lowered, a mix of guilt and professional concern etched into his fea