Chapter 2 The Alpha's Rage

The quietness between them extended, heavy with strain and unspoken phrases. Selene stood firm, her heartbeat a constant rhythm in her chest, aware that Kade could hear it. His silver eyes, once just icy, now resembled a furiously tempestuous storm, fixated on Lucian with a fervor that compelled her to protect the boy from sight. A muscle in his jaw twitched. "Repeat it." Selene stood tall, not willing to submit. "Lucian is your child." The words felt like a physical impact, hitting him hard.

His fingers curled at his sides, his body rigid with rage, disbelief, and something more profound-something primal. A deep growl vibrated in his chest. "You're lying." Lucian recoiled at the noise, but Selene gripped his hand comfortingly. "You are aware that I don't." Kade's gaze shifted between them, his nostrils widening as he examined Lucian closely-the identical raven-black hair, the same silver eyes, the pronounced curve of his brow. His wolf was aware. Kade stepped forward, but Selene reflexively positioned herself in front of Lucian, obstructing his way. His gaze became shadowy. "You prevented him from being with me." His voice was soft, yet it bore the intensity of his anger. "You sprinted." Selene tightened her hands into fists. "You turned me down, Kade." "You prioritized your responsibility over us." His gaze sparkled. "And you concluded I didn't deserve to know my own child?" She gulped, fury and anguish coiling within her. "Would you have been concerned?" she questioned. "Would you have sacrificed that alliance for me?" "For that person?" Something glimmered in his eyes-remorse? Feelings of remorse? But it vanished in an instant, substituted by a frown. "I deserved to be informed," he snarled. "Regardless of the circumstances." Selene's heart ached, yet she would not allow her suffering to be visible. "I returned for him, not for you." Lucian moved behind her, his tiny fingers gripping the material of her cloak. Kade's eyes fell upon him, and for a brief moment, there was a hint of gentleness in his look. Then, his tone became harsh. "You won't depart from Ravenstone once more." Selene tensed up. "I didn't return to remain." "Do you believe you have an option?" His statements carried an air of authority, his Alpha essence imposing on her like a tangible weight. Selene raised her chin. "I will." Kade's gaze shifted, his wolf lurking just beneath the surface. "You prevented me from seeing my son, Selene." "That is a treachery I cannot overlook." Before she had a chance to respond, Kade extended his hand, grasping her wrist in a tight yet steady grip. His skin felt scorching against hers, sending a surge of electricity throughout her body-the mate bond, worn yet unshattered. "I released you before," he whispered, his tone hazardous. "That was my fault." Selene's breathing caught. He clenched his hold more firmly. "You will not remove my son from me." Lucian's voice pierced the atmosphere, sharp and bold. "My mother isn't yours." Kade's eyes immediately focused on the boy. He was quite tiny, yet the blaze in his silver eyes was undeniable. And at that instant, something changed. The understanding dawned on them both like a slowly spreading fire. It was no longer only about Selene. It concerned Lucian. And Kade would never allow him to leave.